If you’re asking, “Should I be selling my eCommerce business?” you're not alone. As direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands continue to grow and attract interest from investors, more founders are exploring exits. But the real challenge lies in finding the right M&A advisory services to guide you through it.
As a private equity firm that specialises in acquiring and scaling DTC brands, we've seen firsthand what separates a good M&A advisor from a great one. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an M&A Advisory Service?
M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) advisory services support business owners through the sale, merger, or acquisition of their company. For eCommerce brands, this includes:
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Preparing your business for sale
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Valuing your business based on DTC-specific metrics
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Running a structured buyer process
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Negotiating deal terms
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Supporting due diligence
Choosing the right advisor can significantly increase the value of your exit or protect you from costly mistakes.
When Should You Consider Selling Your eCommerce Business?
You might be ready to sell your DTC brand if:
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You've hit a plateau in growth
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You want to de-risk or cash out
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You're getting inbound interest from buyers
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You're entering a new life stage or business venture
In each of these cases, working with a specialist M&A advisory firm that understands eCommerce dynamics like CAC, LTV, supply chain constraints, and retention curves is critical.
How to Choose the Right M&A Advisor for DTC Brands
Here’s what to look for when choosing a partner:
1. Sector Experience in eCommerce and DTC
Generic advisors often miss key nuances like blended ROAS, subscription churn, or platform dependencies (e.g. Meta or Shopify). Ask about previous work in DTC and request relevant case studies.
2. Buyer Network Access
Look for firms connected to PE funds, aggregators, and strategic buyers actively acquiring eCommerce businesses for sale. A strong network leads to better valuations and competitive tension.
3. Value Creation Mindset
A good M&A advisor doesn’t just sell — they help you position for scale or exit. That includes tightening operations, clarifying brand narrative, and forecasting upside for acquirers.
4. Hands-On Support Through Due Diligence
Selling a DTC business often involves deep due diligence: financials, retention data, tech stack, supply chain dependencies, and even paid social performance. Your advisor should guide you every step of the way.
5. Transparent Fees and Deal Structure
Understand how they charge flat fee, success fee, retainer? Ensure incentives are aligned with your outcome.
What to Expect During the M&A Process
If you're exploring M&A advisory services, here’s a high-level timeline:
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Preparation (4–8 weeks): Clean up your financials, define key metrics, and prepare a pitch deck or CIM.
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Go-to-Market (6–12 weeks): The advisor approaches buyers, fields interest, and manages NDAs and Q&A.
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Negotiation & Diligence (8–16 weeks): You receive offers, negotiate terms, and go through diligence before final close.
Final Thought: Not All M&A Advisors Are Created Equal
If you’re thinking “I’m ready to sell my eCommerce business”, don’t rush to the first offer. The right M&A advisory partner will help you unlock real value and set you up for what comes next.
Looking to exit your DTC brand?
We invest in and scale high-potential eCommerce businesses. Whether you’re exploring an exit or want advice on preparing your brand for sale, we can help.
