The short answer
Matt Alderton reveals how he sold multiple businesses including a $16M tech exit, and why the narrative you build around your business is as important as the numbers behind it.
Key takeaways
- Matt's journey of his first business sale to a public company, and why buyers want not what you do, but who you are.
- Industry trends and why business deals are negotiated in multiples.
- The different outcomes that often result from selling to a private company versus a public one.
- The importance of a good business story, and how it influences EBITDA. (And why it’s so important for buyers to know that they’re buying your future, not past.)
Listen to the podcast
55 minAbout this episode
Want a great piece of advice? If you’re planning to close up shop or sell, don’t say a word. That’s the advice our next guest Matt Alderton has for those who are prepared to exit, and as a serial entrepreneur, we think Matt’s one mover and shaker you’ll want to listen to.
Great at spotting gaps in the market and finding a solution to solve the problem, Matt is the guy you want to talk to about scaling your business, accelerated growth, valuation, and how to exit the right way. Having gone into business by first trying to solve a problem for himself (that clearly caught on) Matt sold his first business for a 10 times multiple worth over $16M. Now actively working day-to-day in his third start-up, among a smattering of other companies and franchises in the mix, Matt’s experience as a shareholder, start-up founder, fundraiser, and partner gives him the edge needed to provide valuable insight to our listeners.
For those who know that they want to build to sell, but are hesitant about moving through the growth needed to get there, Matt’s episode will be the one for you. He talks us through the mindset shifts needed to move from a stubborn six figures to seven, and then again from seven figures to eight.
Agreeing that selling to a public company is a win-win situation for both the seller and the buyer, we chat about the ins and outs of valuing a business, the acquisition mindset, multiples, and what you can do to shape your story 1-2 years before you exit.
If you’ve ever wondered how some sellers negotiate 10-20 times EBITDA when they go, and why multiples are one of the keys to selling success, this is the episode for you.
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About Matt Alderton
Matt Alderton is the Owner and Founder of Bx, Alderton Enterprises, and the Founder of Integrated Workforce Solutions, as well as a number of 6 and 7 figure startups.
Formerly the owner of multiple retail and hospitality businesses, as well as being a #1 best-selling author, Professional Speaker, Coach, and Small Business Expert, Matt was named Business Person of the Year in 2015, NSW Business Leader in 2016, and Finalist Australian Business Entrepreneur. Alderton Enterprises was awarded the Australian Business of the Year in 2016 and 2017 in the Australian Business Champion Awards, and nominated as the Australian Business of the Decade in 2018. BxNetworking was a Finalist in the Telstra Business Awards in 2018 and 2019, and Matt was named NSW Business Leader in the NSW Business Chamber Awards in 2019.
With an extensive career in retail, management and leadership, Matt’s passion is and has always been developing and leading people to achieve their best. As a certified member of the esteemed John Maxwell Leadership team, Matt continues to serve and develop people with a vision of helping people achieve their goals in life.
Through Matt’s business ventures, he has led teams in excess of 200 amazing people. Matt continues to invest in training and development, and the businesses continue to be recognised within their industries for amazing results in the areas of customer service, marketing and promotions, and business excellence.
Matt’s latest venture, Bx, is the fastest growing community of entrepreneurs and business owners across Australia and New Zealand, and has worked with business experts such as John McGrath, Mark Bouris and Naomi Simpson. Bx is on track to have the largest community of entrepreneurs in Australia.
Connect with Matt Alderton
About the show
Buy Grow Sell is hosted by Simon Bedard, founder and managing director of Exit Advisory Group, a boutique mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that helps Australian business owners value, prepare for and navigate a sale. Every conversation draws on real deals and the patterns behind them.
