Holding period
Forever
Employee equity
10% pool
Process
3–6 months
What we look for
We protect legacy, provide liquidity, and keep the business intact for employees, customers, and the local community.
Founder-led SMBs
Stable cash flow and proven demand.
Capital-light ops
Durable businesses that don’t rely on heavy capex.
Sustainable EBITDA
Survives owner removal without heroic assumptions.
Professionalisation
Systems, governance and technology that improve durability.
Typical profile
We prioritize businesses with resilient cash flow, committed teams, and owners who want a legacy-first exit.
Pathways
Your options
Choose the path that matches your timing and involvement. We can move quickly or structure a staged transition.
Full Acquisition
Clean exit with structured transition and installed President.
Transition Partnership
Partial exit with ongoing involvement and leadership support.
Advisory Engagement
Succession planning and leadership development without a transaction.
The process
A disciplined process. Clear steps. No surprises.
We keep the process transparent, respect confidentiality, and move at a pace that suits your business.
Initial conversation
Confidential discussion about your goals and timing.
Information sharing
Financials and operational overview.
Evaluation
Fit assessment using our acquisition framework.
Proposal
Structure and terms for discussion.
Due diligence
Transparent diligence on both sides.
Transition
Handover plan and President installation.
Close & continuation
The business operates forever under stewardship.
Filters
We do not buy based on
- Aggressive growth forecasts
- Platform narratives unsupported by current economics
- Multiple expansion assumptions
Valuation
How we value businesses
- Valuation anchored to sustainable EBITDA after replacement costs
- Risk-adjusted framework with clear criteria
- Entry price justified by what exists, not speculative upside
- Earn-outs available for bridging expectation gaps
“Higher multiples must be earned, not prepaid.”
FAQs
Questions owners ask
How long does the process take?
Typically 3–6 months from first conversation to close.
Do I have to leave immediately?
No, transition timeline is negotiated.
What happens to my employees?
They continue with the business, with equity opportunity.
How do you find the new leader?
Through our President Academy pipeline.
What if my business isn’t ready to sell?
Start with Crewstake Labs and revisit when you’re ready.
Start a confidential conversation
Tell us about your business and your timeline. We will follow up within two business days.