Broadleaf Partner Process

What happens:

We begin by getting to know you, who you are, what you care about, and whether there's a good values and cultural fit. This is an informal, exploratory conversation with no pressure or obligation. We're introduced through trusted members of our community, and we take time to understand your business, your goals, and what matters most to you.

Key activities:

• Initial introduction through a trusted Broadleaf community member
• Informal coffee chats or phone conversations
• Exploring values alignment and cultural fit
• Understanding your business vision and goals
• Assessing whether there's mutual interest to explore further

What happens:

We exchange relevant business details, financials, and future goals — both sides get a clearer picture of where the opportunity lies. You'll share confidential information about your business, and we'll analyse this information to understand your business model, financial performance, team structure, and growth potential. This is a mutual discovery process.

Key activities:

• Signing of Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• Sharing of business information package (we provide a template)
• Exchange of financial statements, client data, team structures
• Discussing future goals and growth aspirations
• Initial questions and clarifications from both sides

What happens:

We sit together (virtually or in person) to talk through potential deal structures and make sure our vision for the future is truly shared. This is where we collaboratively design what the partnership could look like — ownership structures, valuation approach, governance arrangements, and future plans. It's a creative, collaborative process where both sides shape the opportunity.

Key activities:

• Structured workshop session(s) to explore partnership options
• Discussion of valuation methodology and business assessment
• Exploring ownership structure options (typically 20-49% to Broadleaf)
• Discussing governance, decision rights, and ongoing involvement
• Financial modelling and scenario planning
• Alignment on vision, values, and strategic direction

What happens:

We put our understanding into a Letter of Intent. It's not binding, but it's a strong handshake that says 'Yes, we want to move forward.' The LOI captures the key commercial terms we've agreed on — valuation, structure, ownership percentages, earn-out provisions, governance arrangements, and timeline. This gives both sides clarity and confidence to invest in the due diligence and legal process ahead.

Key activities:

• Broadleaf prepares draft Letter of Intent (LOI)
• Review and discussion of LOI terms
• Negotiation of any outstanding commercial points
• Finalisation of key terms and conditions
• Both parties sign LOI showing commitment to proceed
• Planning for due diligence and legal process

What happens:

Due diligence starts, but it's a shared and transparent process. We confirm that everything we've talked about is solid. This isn't about finding problems — it's about building confidence and ensuring both sides have a complete understanding. We work through financial, legal, operational, and cultural validation together, addressing any questions or concerns that arise.

Key activities:

• Comprehensive due diligence process (financial, legal, operational)
• Broadleaf provides DD template and checklist
• Review of detailed financial records and client data
• Meetings with key team members
• Compliance history review
• Cultural assessment through team interactions
• On-site visit to your office(s)

Complete our due diligence process:

We've created comprehensive online forms to make the due diligence process as smooth as possible:

• Part 1: Foundation Assessment - Corporate risk, financial verification, compliance
• Part 2: Operations Review - Business operations, client relationships, commercial agreements
• Part 3: Assurance Phase - Regulatory compliance, insurance portfolio, final documentation

What happens:

Agreements are signed, funding is approved, and everything gets ready for launch. This includes all final documentation — share sale agreements, shareholders' agreements, governance documents, and any other required paperwork. We also arrange financing (if needed), complete settlement preparations, and plan the communications approach for announcing the partnership.

Key activities:

• Legal agreements drafted by lawyers
• Review and negotiation of legal documentation
• Shareholder agreement detailing governance and rights
• Share sale agreement with all commercial terms
• Bank financing arrangements (if applicable)
• Settlement preparation and date confirmation
• Communications planning (staff, clients, stakeholders)

What happens:

You officially become part of the Broadleaf community. We work together to communicate the partnership and start building the next chapter. Settlement occurs, funds transfer, ownership changes, and the partnership begins. But this isn't an ending — it's truly a beginning. We commence the ongoing relationship of support, collaboration, and shared growth.

Key activities:

• Settlement day — completion of all financial transactions
• Ownership transfer formalised
• Communications executed (staff, clients, stakeholders)
• Welcome to Broadleaf community
• Introductions to other Hub businesses
• Onboarding to Broadleaf support services
• First board meeting or partnership check-in
• Planning for next 90 days and beyond