Why a good FD is essential when preparing for an exit

Enterprise Editor at the Times, James Hurley, explains why a good Finance Director is essential for any entrepreneur who is preparing for an exit.

For any entrepreneur, the sale of a company they built from the ground up should be the triumphant culmination of years of toil and sacrifice. For those who fail to prepare properly and present strong financial information, a buyer will forensically investigate the numbers. If the numbers don't add up there will be a problem, however, there is the risk of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

While external advisers will typically perform key tasks such as identifying buyers and investors, positioning the business, leading negotiations and managing a timetable for each stage of the process, a critical support role during the exit planning stages is that of the Finance Director.

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