Understand
Clarify the owner’s objectives, the business model, the market and the likely buyer questions.
The Devlin Fisher method
Prepare first. Position clearly. Execute with control.
A practical sequence that connects commercial improvement with the work required for a credible transaction.
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Every deal is different.
The method adapts without losing discipline.Increase value
Address revenue quality, margin, recurring income, resilience and owner dependency.
Get ready
Build the financial, operational and documentary evidence needed for due diligence.
Run the process
Coordinate materials, buyers, advisers, negotiation, documentation and completion.
The working principle
Show the work.
Clients should understand what is being improved, what evidence supports the story and what needs to happen next.
Explore owner support01 Understand
Begin with the owner’s objectives and the business as it is.
Clarify the commercial model, customer concentration, margins, contracts, management depth and likely buyer questions. A diagnostic should identify the issues worth fixing before anyone starts marketing the business.
02 Improve and prepare
Turn priorities into evidence.
Work on revenue quality, resilience and owner independence. Organise financial, operational, legal and customer records so that important claims can be supported when a buyer asks for detail.
The Devlin Fisher four-stage methodUnderstand → improve → prepare → transact. Use clear labels and restrained brand colours.
03–04 Position and execute
Run a sale process with clear responsibilities.
Define buyer positioning, information flow and a timetable. Coordinate advisers, diligence requests, negotiation points and completion tasks. No method can guarantee a buyer or a completed transaction.