#323: Expert Advice On M&As and IPOs From Inside The Deal Room With Steve Drake

Selling a business is one of the most significant decisions any entrepreneur can make, and getting it right requires more than just luck. It takes strategy, preparation, and the right expertise. That’s where Steve Drake comes in - partner at Middle East Advisory Partners (MEAP) and a seasoned expert in the world of business transactions. With over 30 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and corporate restructuring, Steve has helped countless companies navigate high-stakes deals, from small businesses to multi-million-dollar enterprises. Steve shares his wealth of knowledge on how businesses can prepare for sale, attract investors, and maximise their value. From understanding valuations to solving governance challenges, Steve emphasises why being "transaction-ready" is crucial for success. Whether you’re looking to grow, exit, or simply refine your operations, Steve’s insights are a masterclass in creating long-term value for your business. 04:38 – Preparing to sell your business 09:14 – Earnouts and deal structures 11:41 – Steve’s background and expertise 13:16 – How businesses are valued 17:00 – Industry-specific valuation challenges 20:33 – Red flags in the sale process 26:06 – Governance vs compliance 27:05 – What does it mean to be transaction-ready? 36:00 – Managing mergers and consolidations Show Sponsors: Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Steve Drakehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-drake-b9399514/?originalSubdomain=ae