Selling a staffing agency is not a solo sport. Even the most capable owners benefit from a team of specialists who can navigate the legal, financial, and strategic complexities of a sale. The right advisors not only protect your interests but can also help you achieve a faster, smoother, and more profitable exit.
Why an Advisory Team Matters
A well‑chosen team brings expertise you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to replicate on your own. They anticipate issues before they become problems, keep the process moving, and help you negotiate from a position of strength.
- Faster sales: Agencies using brokers sell ~20 % faster (ExitWise, 2025).
- Higher valuations: Professional preparation and negotiation can add measurable value.
- Reduced risk: Legal and financial pitfalls are addressed before they derail the deal.
Core Team Members
Each role plays a distinct part in getting you from decision to closing.
- Broker: Markets your agency confidentially, screens buyers, and manages negotiations. Choose one with staffing industry experience and a strong buyer network.
- Attorney: Specializes in employment law and M&A transactions; reviews contracts, ensures compliance, drafts agreements.
- Accountant/CPA: Prepares accurate financial statements, calculates adjusted EBITDA, advises on tax implications.
- Valuator/Appraiser: Provides an independent, defensible valuation to set realistic expectations and support negotiations — particularly valuable for larger or more complex agencies where small percentage changes in value can mean significant dollars.
When to Bring Them On
Timing matters — too early and you may incur unnecessary costs, too late and you risk missed opportunities.
- Broker: Engage once you’re confident about selling and have begun preparing financials.
- Attorney: Bring in before signing any LOI or binding agreement.
- CPA: Involve early to clean up books and optimize tax positioning.
- Valuator: Use during preparation to guide pricing strategy.
Budgeting for Expertise
Professional help is an investment in the outcome.
- Broker fees: Typically 5–12 % of the sale price, with the exact percentage influenced by deal size, complexity, sector, and services provided.
- Attorney: Hourly or flat‑fee arrangements; budget for contract review and negotiation.
- CPA: Project‑based or hourly; may also assist with post‑sale tax planning.
- Valuator: Flat fee, often based on business size and complexity.
Your Next Step
Identify gaps in your current network and start gathering referrals.
At SAB, we connect staffing agency owners with qualified buyers and can recommend trusted professionals to support a smooth transaction.
Next in our series → Pricing & Valuation Strategy
