Pinehill Capital

Investment process

The five steps from our first look at your business to completion, and what you can expect at each.

The five steps

  1. 1AssessmentInformation memorandum, conversations and a site visit
  2. 2Offer letterPrice and structure agreed in a signed term sheet
  3. 3Due diligenceConfirming the financials and operations, in 1 to 2 weeks
  4. 4DocumentationThe sale agreement, drafted and signed in about 4 weeks
  5. 5Completion and transitionSettlement, then a handover suited to the business

Step 1: Assessment

Key outcomes:

  • Information memorandum, with questions and answers by email
  • Conversations with you
  • A site visit

We know what works

We have analysed and invested in hundreds of companies, public and private, so we can quickly tell whether a business is a good fit.

We focus on what matters

Every business is different, but we know the few factors that drive success, and we concentrate on those rather than unnecessary detail.

We like unusual businesses

We prefer niche businesses with unusual models. Others often overlook them, and they can make excellent investments.

People matter as much as numbers

A business reflects the character and values of its owner. We work with people we trust and respect.

Step 2: Offer letter

Key outcomes:

  • Discussion of price and structure
  • A signed term sheet

Our best offer upfront

We don't play games or make low offers. As business owners ourselves, we know good sellers have options, so we make our best offer from the start.

One deal at a time

Once we sign an offer, we pause every other opportunity, so you have our full attention and there is no conflict of interest. This is why our offers have a time limit.

No outside financing

Our principals back every investment personally, so there are no bank approvals or outside funding to wait for. If we ever need financing, we'll say so upfront.

Quick decisions

Our principals make the final decision. There is no investment committee or long approval process.

A structure that suits you

Tell us what matters most to you and we'll shape the deal around it. For example:

  • Partnering with your general manager if they want to buy in but need financing
  • Honouring commitments to employees or business partners, even verbal promises
  • Staying on, or stepping away completely
  • Keeping a minority stake to share in future growth
  • Staged payments or seller financing, if you don't need all the cash now, in exchange for a higher price or interest income

Step 3: Due diligence

Timing:

  • 1 to 2 weeks

Confirmation, not renegotiation

Due diligence is for confirming the financials and operations. It isn't a chance for us to rethink our decision or press for new terms.

Short and focused

Because our due diligence confirms rather than explores, we keep it short and look at what matters most.

Step 4: Documentation

Timing:

  • Sale agreement, drafted and signed: about 4 weeks

We keep it moving

We manage the documentation process ourselves, coordinating everyone involved so it keeps moving and doesn't get bogged down.

Fair, practical documents

Our agreements follow market terms, and we keep them fair and commercial, without unnecessary legal complexity.

Step 5: Completion and transition

Key outcomes:

  • Settlement
  • Handover, timed to how complex the business is

Your team stays

Unlike strategic buyers, we have no cost savings to find. We want to keep your employees and what they know.

We keep what works

Your business succeeds for good reasons. We keep the culture and practices that made it work.

Owners for the long term

We invest permanent capital and buy to hold forever. Every decision is made for the business's long-term good.

More in Private investment

If you're thinking about selling your business, we'd be glad to talk.

Contact us