M&A advisors for the South African mid-market
Sell-side, buy-side, and everything between — valued, structured and negotiated by principals, with international buyers through our London desk.
M&A advisory built for the South African mid-market
Most South African M&A value is created or destroyed before anyone reaches the negotiating table. Caban's M&A practice starts where outcomes are actually decided: valuation grounded in comparable South African transactions, deal structuring across SA and UK jurisdictions, preparation that survives due diligence, and negotiation led by the principal who priced the business — not a junior handed the file.
Sell-side, buy-side, and the deals in between
- Selling a business — confidential valuation, buyer identification (trade, PE, and international through Caban Capital's UK network), process management, and negotiation to close.
- Acquisitions — target screening, due diligence, pricing discipline, and integration-aware structuring.
- Partial exits and recapitalisations — founders taking money off the table while keeping upside.
- Distressed and special situations — where our turnaround practice and M&A desk work as one team.
What makes Caban different among M&A advisors
Three things. Principals only — the person on your deal has bought, built and sold businesses personally. Cross-border reach — a London presence and US fund relationships bring international buyers to South African deals most local advisers never surface. Aligned fees — retainers kept modest, success fees carrying the weight, structure agreed in writing before work begins. A first conversation is confidential and without obligation.
Questions, answered
How much does an M&A advisor cost in South Africa?
Mandates combine a modest monthly retainer with a success fee on completion — typically a percentage of transaction value on a sliding scale. Structure is agreed in writing before any work begins.
How long does it take to sell a business in South Africa?
A prepared mid-market sale typically runs 6–12 months from mandate to completion. Preparation before going to market is the single biggest factor in both speed and price.
How do I know what my business is worth?
Credible valuation combines comparable South African transactions, discounted cash flow, and what strategic and financial buyers are actually paying in your sector. Caban prepares defensible valuations as the first step of every sell-side mandate.
Can you find international buyers for a South African business?
Yes — through Caban Capital, our UK-facing division, qualifying businesses reach UK, European and US trade buyers and funds that rarely appear in local processes.
Is a first conversation confidential?
Completely. Most sale processes begin months before anything is public, and NDAs are standard from the first substantive discussion.