To kick off, we discuss your short and long terms goals, your business search criteria and a realistic investment level. From there, we present you with a business ‘wish list’ to ensure we have an accurate understanding of your needs before progressing further.

The first meeting is also a good time to start putting your professional team in place. ABBA Group can introduce you to finance brokers, accountants and solicitors to ensure you have access to the right expertise from the get go.

Once we have a clear brief, the search for prospective businesses begins. With access to a database of businesses on the market, as well as a growing number of ‘off-market’ opportunities on our radar, our pool of inventory is wider than most.

Using ‘ABBA Select’ – our propriety search platform – we search for, identify and shortlist businesses for us to approach on your behalf.

After the search process, we arrange to meet with target vendors and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each opportunity. This ensures you do not waste your time pursuing unsuitable businesses.

We then compile and present you a shortlist of qualified opportunities for you to consider.

Once we have decided on a particular business opportunity to pursue, we undergo a more in-depth evaluation of that business. This is likely to require a formal business valuation – and close collaboration with your solicitor and accountant.

The due diligence process helps us to ensure the business is performing as reported and to uncover any issues that are not transparent.

At ABBA Group, we ensure you never pay above market value – and that your contract terms are fair and reasonable in the short and long term.

Before we even begin negotiations, we aim to uncover why the vendor is selling and to gauge the level of market interest in the business to date. This ensures we present the strongest case possible, without taking unnecessary risks.

Because ABBA Group works on both side of the acquisition fence, we understand the process from the seller's point of view – and use that knowledge to your advantage.

After we finalise your price and contract terms, we issue a formal offer. We then produce a Sales Advice document so that a contract of sale can be drawn up by the vendor’s solicitor.

From there, ABBA Group will work with you, the vendor and the legal team to finalise the contract and reach a stage where all parties agree to proceed.

After the formal exchange of contracts, we start working on obtaining landlord consent, ensuring we meet all requirements.

Next, ABBA Group enters discussions with the property landlord and/or franchise group to arrange reassignment of the existing lease or to issue a new one. We then complete all documentation on your behalf.

If required, we prepare your business plan and project your financials for the landlord or representative. A well-prepared and convincing application may extend your tenure which will strengthen your future profit potential.

Once contracts are signed and landlord consent is secured, ABBA Group will devise your transition strategy to ensure a smooth handover (during the trial period and thereafter).

If required, we can introduce you to our panel of business lenders for funding and assist with stocktake (or arrange for an independent party to be present during this process).