Joining Finn Due Diligence

Finn Online Induction Training, designed to get you grounded with the Finn business systems.
All Face-to-face Training Days with Len, Steve, and our Expert M&A Advisors.
These a where you can develop and hone your skills as an M&A Advisor.
All Live Webinar Training Events with Len, Steve, and our Expert M&A Advisors.
Finn’s comprehensive online Business Sales Course. Arguably one of the most advanced training courses M&A Advisors can undertake.
Finn’s online Valuations Course, vital to understanding how to value a business accurately.
Finn’s online Business Buying Course.
First Year Guidance and mentoring - One-on-one with Len, Steve or our experienced and Expert M&A Advisors.

To assist you in becoming successful as a M&A Advisor.
To prevent you from wasting your time and money in your new venture.
To save you and point you in the right direction when you make a mistake.
To help you get that valuation right, so you don’t over price businesses.
To show you how to present yourself to a client so they say "Yes".
To guide you on what fees to charge so you are well paid, but you don't miss getting the new business listed.
To help you manage the situation when a buyer wants to make a low-ball offer.
To show you which clients to say "no" to.
To support you while you're learning new skills.
To train you to keep improving your skills to become an expert M&A Advisor.
To show you how to grow your business to meet your goals.
To help you sell that property along with the business when they come together.
To show you how to work in with other agents and share commissions.
To introduce you to our network of migration agents and fellow Finn M&A Advisors and Business Advisors.
To run the entire back end of your business infrastructure so you can focus on clients only and maximising your income from completing deals.
To assist you with lease transfers and other areas of business sales transactions that are a bit more complex.
To show you how your buyer can get finance.
...and to assist you make this new business venture work for you.

Steve, Len, and our team of expert M&A Advisors have personally been involved in the sale of hundreds of businesses. The experience they bring to your training and support will help you accelerate your career as a business advisor and fast-track your income growth. Everyone needs guidance and support when starting an entirely new career and when you are responsible for helping your clients with such a large financial transaction that can be worth hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. Having experts in your corner, really is a must have support requirement.

To help you be successful.
To make it so your new step into business sales works for you.
To prevent you from wasting your time and money in your new venture.
To save you when you make a mistake.
To help you get that valuation right.
To show you how to present to a client so they say "Yes".
To guide you on what fees to charge so you are well paid, but you don't miss getting the new business.
To help you when a buyer wants to make a low-ball offer.
To show you which clients to say 'no' to.
To support you while you're learning.
To train you to keep improving your skills.
To show you how to grow your business.
To help you sell that property along with the business.
To show you how to work in with other agents and share commissions.
To introduce you to our network of migration agents.
To run the entire back-end of your business infrastructure so you can focus on clients only.
To assist you with lease transfers.
To show you how your buyer can get finance.
...and to make this work for you.

In Australia, to operate as a professional selling business you will need to be issued a license by the Government of the State or Territory you are operating in. Please see below for details on your state government’s requirements and the educational requirement needed to gain this license required.

Here's how it works...

Step 1:
Complete the relevant Real Estate Course with an RTO (Registered Training Organisation). Normally about $2k-$3k, takes about 40-50 hrs online

Step 2:

Apply for the licence in your State or Territory, and with your application submit your Certificate of Completion for the above course. Takes a few weeks to process

Step 3:

Pay the annual Government fee. Normally about $1k

How long does the licence go for?

It's a rolling year x year agreement. After the first year, either party can end the agreement with 3-mths notice. If you change your mind within the first year you need to at least make your payments until the end of the 12 mth period.

Why the 3-mths notice?

This is designed so that after the first year, neither party is locked in long term. If you decide one day you want to operate without the use of the Finn brand etc, then you are able to do so quite easily. From our perspective, we hope you stay long-term and are very successful as our business model is built primarily around our licensee income.

When do I start paying regular fees?

As soon as you commence your training and set-up. We help you look for new clients at the same time, so you can start earning income ASAP.

Do I need to have my own company?

No, you can operate as a Company, Sole Trader, or Partnership. Maybe ask your accountant.

Who does the advertising to find buyers when I get a new listing?

We've made this very easy. This is handled by a separate marketing company (affiliated with us) that specialises in generating buyer leads when a business is for sale. The vendor can choose the level of marketing they wish to do (much the same as when selling a house), and they pay the marketing company directly. In short -it's all done for you, there is no cost to you, and all the buyer leads will come directly to your inbox. You can then receive 30% of what the vendor pays to assist in the administration of their marketing for listings that you have signed up yourself if you choose to take on some of the admin duties involved.

What happens with a business that is over $2m?

These are typically more complex transactions. Usually these are a corporate business transaction that involves high-level valuation methods, tax and asset deal structuring, and due diligence with more legal implications. Also the marketing campaigns to find the right prospective purchasers is very unique. These clients are to be looked after by our Finn M&A people. These are licensees also, but they operate only in the $2m+ categories. We have a handful of these guys around Australia.

Your licence with Finn is for all business sales that are below $2m, as these are usually regular family-owned businesses in the SME market that change hands at a high volume of transactions. These make up more than 90% of the marketplace. If an M&A enquiry comes across your desk, the protocol is to refer that onto one of the M&A team. Depending on your level of expertise in that particular industry, they might ask you to collaborate with them and share in any commissions. Otherwise it's just a simple passing on of the enquirers details. In turn, they will usually reciprocate when a SME enquiry comes to them. They don't normally do these deals so they would pass them on.

Are there any restrictions on what fees I can charge my clients?

No, you can charge whatever you like.

Essentially, what does the licence cover?

It's important to know that this is not a franchise. You can operate your business however you choose. You are choosing to operate a business brokerage and advisory business, and use the Finn Business Sales name to give you immediate credibility in the marketplace. You also have an immediate suite of documents, guides, and marketing materials at your disposal from day one, and you are part of a larger team rather than being on your own. This means you can avoid a lot of the trial and error, and it helps clients to trust you in helping them sell or buy a business.

How long is the license valid?

The license operates on a rolling year-to-year agreement. Following the initial year, either party can terminate the agreement with a three-month notice. If you choose to cancel within the first year, you are required to fulfill payment obligations until the conclusion of the initial 12-month license period.

Why is there a three-month notice period?

This provision ensures that neither party is bound to a long-term commitment after the initial year. If, at any point, you wish to operate independently without utilising the Finn brand, this can be done effortlessly. We aspire to foster long-term relationships and success, as our business model thrives on licensee revenue and collaboration.

When do regular fees commence?

Regular fees begin as soon as you commence training and setup. Simultaneously, we assist you in seeking new clients, allowing you to start generating revenue promptly.

Is it necessary to have my own company?

No, it is not necessary although we believe it is advisable, you can operate as a Company, Sole Trader, or Partnership. It is advisable to consult with your accountant for guidance.

Who handles advertising to find buyers when I secure a new listing?

A separate marketing company affiliated with us manages this process. Specializing in generating buyer leads for businesses, the vendor can choose the level of marketing, similar to selling a house. The marketing costs are borne by the vendor directly, with no expense to you, and all buyer leads are directed to your inbox.

What about businesses under $2 million?

Any businesses below the $2 million asking price are managed by our Finn Business Sales team of brokers. You can either refer these businesses and receive a referral fee or collaborate with a Finn Business Sales licensee, sharing the commission at an agreed-upon rate.

Are there any restrictions on the fees I can charge my clients?

No, you have the flexibility to set your own fees.

What does the license essentially cover?

It's crucial to understand that this is not a franchise. You have the freedom to operate your business as you see fit. By choosing to run an M&A advisory service under the Finn Mergers and Acquisitions name, you gain immediate credibility. From day one, you have access to a comprehensive suite of documents, guides, and marketing materials, along with the support of a larger team. This not only minimises trial and error but also instills trust in clients seeking assistance in buying or selling a business.