Sell-Side Technology Diligence That Found the Story First

Ahead of a sale process, a transportation and logistics provider needed its proprietary technology to read as a source of value, not a risk buyers would discount. A dedicated Technology CIM and a simulated buyer diligence process got ahead of the questions before a buyer had the chance to ask them.

This work was performed by Liberty Advisor Group, now a Resultant company.

When proprietary technology becomes a valuation question

A transportation and logistics provider had spent years building proprietary technology that improved operating performance, expanded market share, and supported revenue growth. As the company prepared for sale, management faced a different challenge: none of that value was visible in the materials buyers would see first. 

The financial CIM explained the business; it couldn't explain why the company's technology created a competitive advantage or why that advantage would continue under new ownership. Left unanswered, those questions risked turning a source of value into a source of uncertainty during diligence.

The technology story needed its own diligence

Rather than waiting for buyers to evaluate the technology on their own, we helped the company prepare for those conversations before the sale process began. 

The team developed a standalone technology CIM that documented the company's proprietary platforms, how they supported the business, and the role they played in the company's performance. We also conducted a simulated buy-side technology diligence review, approaching the environment the way a prospective buyer's advisers would and identifying the questions they were likely to ask. 

Beyond documenting the current state, we assessed how the technology could support future geographic expansion and additional operating efficiencies, then outlined areas where further investment could create additional value after the transaction.

Giving buyers the information the financial CIM couldn't

Together, the financial CIM and technology CIM presented a more complete picture of the business. 

Instead of asking buyers to infer the value of proprietary technology from financial results alone, the company could show how its systems supported operational performance, where they created competitive differentiation, and how they could continue supporting growth after the acquisition. 

By addressing those questions before buyer diligence began, the technology became part of the investment thesis rather than an unanswered diligence topic.

Preparing a technology-driven business for a sale process?

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