The sellers you are introduced to by Pathfinders aren’t testing the water.
They’ve invested in professional preparation, completed detailed onboarding, and have committed to a structured process that filters out time-wasters and guesswork.
You get full visibility up front, not drip-fed teasers, and engage only when there’s real alignment.
It’s a smoother, faster, and more respectful experience for serious buyers.
Sellers complete a full Business Sale Readiness Assessment with Pathfinders
We challenge their assumptions, clarify objectives, and identify red flags early
If they’re not ready, we don’t take them to market
➡️ You only see opportunities from sellers who are committed and prepared.
Sellers pay an onboarding fee and commit to our process. We work closely with them to prepare:
Detailed Information Memorandum (IM)
Client bank analysis (AUM, fees, age bands, segmentation)
Video interview covering everything buyers typically ask
Expectations worksheet (valuation thresholds, transition plans, deal flexibility)
➡️ You receive these materials up front — saving time and guesswork.
Selected Buyers receive the ‘teaser’ email simultaneously.
Buyers who express their interest (and have signed T&Cs and completed the Buyer Profile) then receive the full CIM (also simultaneously).
With our assistance, the Seller then shortlists the potential Buyers with whom they would like to meet.
➡️ This ensures a fair, competitive, and efficient process for all parties.
Seller selects a preferred buyer and signs Heads of Terms
Pathfinders facilitates buyer–seller alignment meetings
Exclusivity granted for DD phase (typically 2–3 months).
➡️ At this point, seller is fully committed to the deal process.
Seller populates the Buyer’s Virtual Data Room (VDR)
Legal documents (SPA/APA) are negotiated
Seller prepares for staff/client communications
➡️ Our role is to keep momentum and remove friction.
Seller receives Day 1 payment
Handover plans are implemented
- If seller is staying on, their new role begins
➡️ Clients, staff and operations transition smoothly.
Pathfinders stays involved:
Monthly check-ins with buyer and seller
Help resolving any client/staff issues
Alignment reviews ahead of deferred payments
Seller’s final 20% fee to Pathfinders is only paid at the 12-month point
➡️ Everyone remains accountable – including us.
Next Steps
To protect both buyers and sellers and streamline introductions, we ask all prospective buyers to:
1. Complete a Buyer Profile – this gives us the clarity to:
- Understand your acquisition criteria
- Match you with suitable opportunities
- Ensure efficient use of time for all parties involved
2. Sign T&Cs – Includes NDA & Non-Circumvention Agreement, and ensures:
- Sellers are protected before sharing confidential business data
- You’re protected too – the process is clearly defined and mutually respectful
- It’s crystal clear that all introductions come via Pathfinders, avoiding future disputes
FAQs
Our fees are paid by the seller. However, if you do choose to offer a buyer-side contribution or commission, it is used to offset the seller’s fee, ensuring no double-charging.
This is one of the aspects which adds friction and time to the process. To streamline the process, all buyers receive a ‘fire-side’ video interview with the seller covering the most common questions, along with the detailed IM. Direct meetings with the buyer are arranged once EOIs have been accepted. Any queries are managed for the Seller by Pathfinders.
If your mandate prevents you from working with sell-side intermediaries, unfortunately this may prevent you from being in the running for any Pathfinders’ selling firms.
All potential buyers receive the same information simultaneously in a controlled, transparent process. Only shortlisted buyers progress to seller meetings based on their cultural fit, capacity, appetite, and resource – we usually expect no more than 3 to reach this point.
Offers are reviewed with the seller, who then selects their preferred buyers for meetings. This allows you to refine your offer, if required, and validate cultural fit. This keeps momentum high and helps gauge buyer readiness.
We communicate the seller’s flexibility on structure and expected transition role upfront. This enables you to table a serious and relevant offer. Sellers will not typically share their expectations on value, although you will be guided by Pathfinders.
