Precision Manufacturing — Creating Structure to Increase Valuation
Industrial Components Manufacturing
Ontario
8 months
A 35-year-old manufacturer with $5M in annual revenue had loyal customers and steady margins — but all decisions ran through the founder. Buyers viewed the business as risky due to owner dependency.
Our Approach
Through the Exit Readiness Audit™, we identified operational bottlenecks in scheduling, quoting, and inventory management.
Applying our Operational Excellence Framework™, we built a management rhythm, delegated production control, and documented key workflows.
Outcome
- Reduced owner involvement from 60 hours/week to under 10.
- Increased production efficiency by 15%.
- Attracted multiple strategic buyers and sold at 4.8x EBITDA (vs. 3.3x pre-engagement)
Legacy
The founder remained on a 12-month advisory agreement, ensuring knowledge transfer to the new management team.
Distribution — Turning a Steady
Business into a Scalable One
Building Materials Distribution
Alberta
9 months
This 22-year-old distributor generated consistent profits but had fragmented systems and no standardized reporting. When approached by potential buyers, the lack of data clarity led to low offers.
Our Approach
Using the Operational Excellence Framework™, we centralized purchasing, implemented gross-margin tracking by product line, and built weekly dashboards.
Then, through AI Buyer Matching™, we identified regional competitors seeking vertical integration.
Outcome
- Margins improved by 8%.
- Cash conversion cycle shortened by 19 days.
- Business sold to a complementary acquirer at a 45% premium to prior offers.
Legacy
All 14 employees retained, and the new owner expanded operations into two new provinces within 18 months.
Logistics — Strengthening Systems to Build Transferable Value
Regional Freight & Delivery
British Columbia
7 months
A trucking firm with 40 drivers and steady contracts wanted to sell after 20 years. Buyers hesitated due to lack of documented routes and scheduling reliance on the owner’s personal oversight.
Our Approach
The Exit Readiness Audit™ pinpointed gaps in data visibility and process documentation. We applied our Operational Excellence Framework™ to install fleet management software, delegate dispatching, and standardize client reporting.
Outcome
- On-time delivery increased from 82% to 96%.
- EBITDA margin improved by 11%.
- Attracted three corporate acquirers; sold within four months at 5.0x EBITDA
Legacy
The founder’s long-time operations manager became GM under the new ownership — fulfilling his goal of seeing the team advance.
Specialty Trades — From Owner-Operated to Investor-Ready
Commercial HVAC Services
Ontario
10 months
A second-generation HVAC company was generating $3.5M annually but remained fully dependent on the owner for bidding, client relationships, and quality control.
Our Approach
We helped document service standards, delegate estimation to senior technicians, and implement a CRM to track maintenance contracts. Using AI Buyer Matching™, we found private investors consolidating service-based trades
Outcome
- Annual maintenance renewals increased by 28%.
- Owner hours reduced by 70%.
- Sold to a regional acquirer at 2.1x revenue, securing full staff retention.
Legacy
The company name and local presence remained unchanged — preserving client trust and community identity.
Business Services — Clarifying the Story Behind Steady Numbers
B2B Equipment Maintenance & Leasing
Manitoba
6 months
A 30-year-old business with recurring service contracts and loyal clients struggled to attract offers. Though profitable, its positioning didn’t communicate long-term value.
Our Approach
We used the Exit Readiness Audit™ to analyze contract retention, client concentration, and recurring revenue.
Through the Operational Excellence Framework™, we standardized renewal tracking and upgraded financial reporting.
Then, with AI Buyer Matching™, we identified a complementary firm looking to expand regionally.
Outcome
- Recurring revenue increased from 63% to 79%.
- Documentation package reduced buyer due diligence time by 50%.
- Sold at 1.7x previous offer value within 90 days.
Legacy
The founder stayed on for six months to train the successor, ensuring clients experienced a seamless transition.
Strong businesses. Stronger
outcomes.
These companies share a common story — reliable businesses that needed structure, clarity,
and the right positioning to reveal their true worth.
That’s what EXIT delivers: refinement, preparation, and the confidence to transition at full value.