Case Study: Sale of Hunt & Company Accounting Practice Delivers Value for Stakeholders
Overview
When the administrators of Hunt & Company needed to sell the firm’s accounting practice quickly and competitively, they turned to us for expert guidance. This case study outlines how we ran a high-impact sale campaign that attracted 14 offers and achieved a sale at a revenue multiple of approximately 0.80x—delivering a strong result under time-sensitive and complex conditions.
Client Background
Hunt & Company, a long-standing accounting firm, entered administration and required the sale of its practice to be executed swiftly. The administrators were tasked with maximising value for creditors while ensuring continuity of service for clients and staff.
The sale needed to be:
Fast-tracked to meet statutory and operational deadlines.
Transparent and competitive to satisfy stakeholder scrutiny.
Structured to maximise value and complete quickly.
The Challenge
The administrators faced several key challenges:
Urgency: The sale needed to be completed within weeks, not months.
Market Uncertainty: The accounting sector was experiencing consolidation, with buyers cautious about distressed assets.
Stakeholder Sensitivity: Staff retention, client continuity, and creditor outcomes were all at stake.
Valuation Clarity: A clear and defensible valuation was essential to support the sale process and satisfy regulatory oversight.
Our Approach
We designed and executed a rapid, structured sale campaign that included:
1. Valuation & Positioning
We prepared a concise valuation summary and information memorandum that:
Positioned the practice’s client base, recurring revenue, and team as key value drivers.
Benchmarked the business against comparable transactions and industry multiples.
Highlighted the opportunity for acquirers to expand their footprint or acquire talent.
2. Targeted Buyer Outreach
We launched a competitive campaign targeting:
Strategic acquirers in the accounting and professional services sector.
Private equity-backed consolidators.
Regional firms seeking growth through acquisition.
The campaign was designed to generate urgency and maximise competitive tension.
3. Offer Management & Negotiation
We received 14 qualified offers within the first two weeks.
Offers were evaluated based on price, terms, transition support, and cultural fit.
We led negotiations to optimise value and ensure a smooth handover.
4. Transaction Execution
The final deal was executed at a revenue multiple of approximately 0.80x.
We worked with legal and tax advisors to structure the transaction efficiently.
The deal was completed within the required timeframe, with minimal disruption to clients and staff.
Results
✅ 14 Offers Received: Demonstrated strong market interest despite the administration context.
💰 0.80x Revenue Multiple Achieved: A competitive outcome despite challenges.
⏱️ Expedited Timeline: Sale completed within weeks, meeting statutory deadlines.
🤝 Continuity Secured: Staff retained and client relationships preserved.
📄 Regulatory Compliance: Sale supported by valuation documentation and stakeholder transparency.
Why This Matters
This case highlights our ability to deliver results under pressure. By combining valuation expertise, strategic marketing, and transaction execution, we helped the administrators of Hunt & Company:
Maximise value in a distressed context.
Preserve business continuity.
Navigate complex stakeholder and compliance requirements.
Our approach demonstrates how expert-led sale processes can unlock value—even in challenging circumstances.
Contact Us Today
Need to sell a business under time pressure or complex conditions? Our team specialises in high-impact sale campaigns, expert valuations, and transaction structuring. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve a successful outcome.