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When it comes time to exit, owners of businesses valued between $2 million and $20 million find themselves caught in a gap. They are too large for a typical side-hustle broker, yet they are too small to attract the attention of Wall Street firms.
Vanla Group, led by founder Paul Cheetham, is here to bridge that gap. Rather than chasing deal volume or flashy headlines, Vanla Group’s business succession planning experts build trusted partnerships through the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process by putting strategic alignment and education before transactions.
Why Vanla Group finds purpose in prioritizing alignment over volume
In an industry defined by speed and high volumes, Vanla Group deliberately takes a different path. That’s because Cheetham’s vision was never to create the biggest brokerage but the most trusted. His approach centers on the belief that every small business exit deserves meticulous attention.
“Too often, when your business falls in that sweet spot between $2 million and $20 million, advisors treat your deal like just another commodity,” Cheetham notes, “The truth is that selling your business is a life-changing event. It’s anything but a simple transaction.”
This philosophy translates into a slower, more intentional process that prioritizes education above all else. Cheetham’s story is the driving force behind that philosophy. He founded Vanla Group, but his journey began far from the world of buying and selling businesses.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Cheetham initially honed his analytical and problem-solving skills as a Network Administrator in IT. His drive for new challenges brought him across the globe to Vancouver, Canada, where he reinvented his career as a Certified Financial Planner at BMO Private Banking.
Everything changed when one of Cheetham’s Harvard business professors encouraged him to buy a business. He partnered with a broker for his first acquisition, but through this process, he realized he could personally manage nearly every aspect of buying and selling.
Three years later, Cheetham listed his own business for sale without the help of a broker. The hands-on experience showed him the clarity that comes from truly understanding the process.
“Having walked the path myself, I know that selling a business is personal,” notes Cheetham. “That business is part of you, and it means much more than dollars and cents. You deserve to be a full partner in the process, not pushed through a rushed deal.”
This empathy ensures that Cheetham’s team prioritizes coaching and authentic collaboration. “We respect the hard work and dreams embedded in every business,” he explains. “You can exit on your own terms. When you understand the process, you feel confident and in control.”
Vanla Group’s handcrafted strategies and SBA-compliant valuations
Vanla Group’s commitment to empowering founders is reflected in its handcrafted exit plans and SBA-compliant valuations. Instead of relying on automated templates or inflated figures designed to draw attention, Vanla rigorously determines accurate market values based on SBA standards. Their realistic pricing strategies enhance credibility and safeguard the owner’s equity.
“When we take time to design each marketing plan and negotiation strategy from scratch, we eradicate the cookie-cutter solutions you so often see in this industry,” says Cheetham. “We craft every exit with the intricacies of the business and the aspirations of its owner in mind. This approach gives owners a clear understanding of every step.”
How Vanla Group builds trust through education and empowerment
One-on-one mentorship prepares owners to exit confidently. The team’s honest education lays a foundation of trust that transforms what is often a stressful and opaque experience into one marked by clarity and control.
Every business is unique. That’s why Vanla Group offers a customized approach to an exit. Some business owners have too much on their plates to take on all the details, which is why Vanla Group’s expert team handles everything from valuation to close.
Vanla Group’s valuation specialists work closely with owners to determine a price that accurately reflects the true value of their business. They build a professional confidential information memorandum that catches buyers’ attention and then carefully promote the business to targeted prospects. The team screens buyers so founders never waste time on unqualified calls. When it’s time to close, they manage all the last-minute minutiae to ensure a smooth transition.
“We customize our approach for busy founders,” says Cheetham. “Even though we do the heavy lifting, you retain complete control over who you sell to and how.”
For founders who want to own every step of their business exit, Vanla Group’s program is ideal. “It’s like having a trusted mentor in your corner,” Cheetham explains. “We offer expert advice while you drive the deal.”
Those who sign up for this program receive one-on-one consulting every step of the way. “You’re in the driver’s seat, but you’re not alone,” notes Cheetham. “We share proven strategies and provide an accurate valuation. We will prepare you with tips and help you avoid the traps that many others have fallen into.
Vanla Group helps them own the exit on their own terms. “If you’re preparing for one of life’s biggest transitions, you need more than an advisory service,” concludes Cheetham. “You need a partnership that puts you in control.”
Also read: Top 7 Exit Strategies for Small Business Owners
Image source: Freepik.com
