Overcoming Obstacles in a Complex Business Sale

Selling a business is rarely a simple process—but for one recent seller, the journey came with added personal and legal complexity. In the midst of a difficult divorce, the client was ordered by the court to divest his 38% shareholding in a patented SaaS business. This was no ordinary sale. It required a highly strategic approach to attract the right buyer under unique conditions.

From the outset, it was clear this transaction wouldn’t follow the typical path. The incoming shareholder would become the largest single stakeholder but would receive no voting rights and have no influence over Board decisions. The investment was purely passive—offering future upside without any control—posing a significant barrier for traditional buyers.

After 90 days of focused marketing and targeted outreach, significant interest was generated. However, it became increasingly evident that the most logical acquirers were the company’s existing Board of Directors. This group had a vested interest in maintaining alignment and consolidating equity.

Following this insight, the Board convened an Extraordinary General Meeting and resolved to purchase the outgoing shareholder’s stake. The final agreement reflected a purchase at 90% of the listed value, based on a favourable 3x earnings multiple.

This resolution delivered a positive financial outcome for the seller, while also allowing him to move forward with clarity and peace of mind during a personally challenging time. The transaction is a reminder that even under complex circumstances, creative and well-informed strategies can produce successful outcomes in business sales.