Unlocking liquidity, preserving legacy: Facilitating a successful business sale & transition for one exceptional BC-based business
Focus
I am committed to enabling the owner(s) of one exceptional British Columbia-based business to unlock the liquidity in their business via a full sale of the business at a fair valuation.
I am dedicated to preserving their legacy by developing a robust transition plan together and managing the business with a long-term outlook and people-centered approach.
I am focused on acquiring a business that meets the below criteria:
-
Steady or growing EBITDA and revenue over the last 3+ years
Average EBITDA between $250k-1MM CAD over the last 3+ years
EBITDA margin (EBITDA / revenue) >10% over the last 3+ years
-
Stable or growing market
Stable business cycle (not highly seasonal or cyclical)
Stable regulatory environment
-
Recurring / contractual revenue
High customer retention / low customer churn
Diversified customer base
Approach
I understand the significance of selling your business and hold myself accountable to be a reliable, trustworthy partner throughout the process.
I will treat any information you share with me during this process as strictly confidential. I will not reach out to your employees, customers, suppliers, or other partners without your consent.
Below are the steps and timeline I propose for a thorough and efficient business sale & transition process:
-
This step includes:
An initial conversation to get to know each other and discuss your business and goals
Signing an NDA, followed by an initial review of your last three years of financial statements, plus any additional key documents or information that would help me to better understand your business
If we both agree to move forward, this step will conclude with mutually signing a Letter of Intent which outlines the proposed terms of the transaction, including business valuation and deal structure.
-
This step involves a detailed review of your business’s operations and financials. Throughout this process, I’ll provide clear, organized requests to minimize disruptions to you and your team.
I’ll bring in accounting, legal, and other relevant professionals as needed to assist me during this process.
Throughout this process, we will meet regularly to review progress and collaborate on a transition plan that works for everyone.
This step will conclude with mutually signing a Purchase Agreement.
-
Once both parties sign the Purchase Agreement, we’ll transfer funds, celebrate the successful transaction, and begin the transition process immediately.
We’ll use our mutually established transition plan as a North Star, particularly for the first several months post-closing to ensure continuity and stability.
Afterward, I’ll continue to build on your legacy, with thoughtful stewardship and growth initiatives that respect the business’s employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
What sets me apart
Long-term outlook
Unlike private equity business buyers, I’m not interested in “flipping” businesses for a quick return. My strategy is to invest for the long term, prioritizing stability and sustainable growth over aggressive cost-cutting in service of short-term profits.
Independent ownership
Unlike corporate business buyers, I’m not looking to absorb a business into a larger entity, strip away its identity, or relocate operations. I want to preserve what makes the business special, like its people, culture, and local roots, while building on that foundation for years to come.
Local, hands-on stewardship
Unlike an investor from afar, or even someone local seeking a passive investment, I’ll be a full-time, in-person owner-operator, personally managing the business and actively involved in day-to-day operations.
About
My name is Will Portman and I’m the founder of Mosquito Creek Capital.
I’ve spent over a decade working in and leading business operations and engineering teams at Google, Stripe, and three high-growth startups. Over that time, I’ve built deep experience in strategy, operations, finance, product development, customer service, legal and compliance, and HR and people management.
Inspired by working with many small businesses throughout my career and by the entrepreneurs in my family, I’ve chosen to dedicate the next chapter of my career to acquiring, operating, and growing a great business here in BC.
I’m based in North Vancouver, BC, where I live with my family. Mosquito Creek Capital is named after Mosquito Creek Park in North Vancouver, where I go on daily walks with my high-energy English field cocker spaniel, Scout.
Contact
Interested in working together or learning more? I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out via the form here, or send an email to will@mosquitocreekcapital.ca.
I commit to keeping all information you share with me strictly confidential and to responding within no more than two business days.