Business Advisory Services: Turning business success into shareholder value
Knowing when to tap into M&A advisory services is paramount to realising maximum shareholder value for family businesses and growing enterprises.
Many businesses, especially private, unlisted entities, often become so engrossed in the day-to-day demands of operations and the immediate pressures of delivery that strategic growth and long-term value creation take a back seat. This reactive stance means crucial decisions tend to be made under pressure rather than with foresight – a common and costly oversight that often leads them to seek professional advisory support only once they're already on the back foot or a critical opportunity has slipped away.
At Standard Bank, our Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) Advisory team, led by Raven Moodley, partners with shareholders to navigate key milestones in their business journey – whether that’s selling a business, partnering with private equity investors for growth and value realisation, or acquiring a new asset.
Growing a business is one thing. Scaling it is another.
Most business owners are exceptionally skilled and deeply passionate about what they do. They've built their companies from the ground up, weathered the early storms, and come out stronger. But as success grows, so do the complexities until you're dealing with:
- Advanced financial structures
- Human capital challenges
- Regulatory minefields
- Strategic decisions around growth and exit.
This is where a dedicated advisory partner is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Advisory is not a cost – it’s an investment
There’s a misconception that advisory services are reserved for big-budget scenarios or crisis moments. In truth, you can think of them more as preventative medicine – helping you to detect issues early, prepare for major events, and unlock hidden value in your business.
When should you bring in an advisor?
Here are a few key inflection points:
- Strategic stagnation: Feeling stuck or unsure about your long-term vision? Advisors help reframe the picture, define clear goals, and chart a path to sustainable expansion.
- Financial complexity: Whether it’s managing cash flow, preparing for a capital raise, or navigating an M&A deal, professional guidance ensures clarity and confidence in your decision-making.
- Regulatory pressure: Keeping up with compliance is an ongoing challenge. Expert advisors can help you stay ahead of the curve, and keep your business out of trouble.
- Mergers & acquisitions: From due diligence to valuation, negotiation, and execution – M&A transactions demand specialist expertise to succeed.
- Sell-side processes: If you’re looking to realise value or plan a partial or full exit, we help identify and vet the right partners – and structure deals that meet your goals.
- Capital structuring: Unlock hidden capacity on your balance sheet and optimise your capital mix for growth and efficiency through debt financing, equity, or a combination of both.
- B-BBEE strategy: In South Africa, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment is more than compliance – it’s a competitive advantage. Designing and implementing a strong ownership strategy requires nuanced expertise.
What we offer at Standard Bank BCB Advisory
We provide a full suite of services to help your business grow, adapt, and thrive:
- Strategic Planning: Defining your long-term vision and building a plan to achieve it.
- Financial Advisory: Supporting funding, capital raising, M&A, and more.
- B-BBEE Strategy: Designing ownership solutions that align with your overall growth goals.
Why work with us?
1. Deep local knowledge and global reach: As a division of Africa’s largest bank, we deliver unmatched insights across the continent – plus we provide access to an international network of specialists and investors.
2. Integrated solutions: We offer more than just advice. Our clients benefit from the power of a full-service bank – bringing together advisory, funding, business banking, and capital solutions under one roof.
3. A partner for the long haul: We don’t just show up for the transaction. We take time to understand your business, and walk the journey with you – from strategy to execution.
Real impact, proven results
We’ve helped numerous businesses across sectors tackle complex challenges and pursue bold ambitions. From designing effective B-BBEE structures, to executing successful acquisitions and securing growth capital – our portfolio speaks for itself. While confidentiality prevents us from naming clients, our track record reflects our commitment and capability.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Strategic planning is far more powerful when done proactively. Email Raven Moodley and the Standard Bank BCB Advisory team today to explore how we can support your business journey.