Background:

A well-established sheet metal fabrication business with over 36 years of family ownership. This fully managed operation provided comprehensive fabrication services to commercial, industrial, and furniture sectors, offering both standard catalogue products and customised solutions. The business demonstrated consistent year-on-year profitability and included valuable real estate assets – both land and building – as part of the transaction package.

Engagement & Process:

Engaged as broker to manage the sale of this significant manufacturing and property asset. The offering generated substantial market interest given its strong track record and integrated real estate. However, a critical challenge emerged: potential buyers required the owner to remain post-sale for knowledge transfer and continuity, but the owner’s remote location made traditional transition arrangements impractical. We worked closely with the selected buyer to develop creative solutions that addressed their need for operational continuity without requiring the owner’s physical presence.

Result:

Successfully structured and completed the transaction with a workable transition solution that satisfied both parties. The deal included the business operations and valuable real estate, maximising value for the long-term family owners. Our innovative approach to resolving the remote transition challenge – potentially through documentation, virtual training, or management alternatives – enabled a successful exit for the 36-year family legacy while ensuring business continuity for the buyer. The transaction exemplified our ability to navigate complex succession issues and find practical solutions to seemingly incompatible requirements.