Building & Selling for Value — How Founders Should Think About M&A with Clair

Clair knows that when it comes to selling a company, multiples are just the starting point. As a former tech founder turned M&A advisor, she explains why value is ultimately about cash flows plus synergies—and how founders can build strategic cases that earn a premium.

In this EO Ignite 2025 conversation, Clair shares her career journey from due diligence to corporate finance in London, shaped by scarcity and serendipity. She unpacks the buyer’s perspective—forecasts, discounted cash flow, return on capital—and gives frank advice to lifestyle businesses: sometimes keeping the company, or structuring a management buyout, creates better outcomes. Clair also offers practical guidance on choosing advisors you trust and aligning incentives through retainers and success fees.

This is a masterclass in building, valuing, and selling with intention, designed for founders who want to maximize outcomes when the time comes.

🔗 EO Durban: www.eodurban.co.za

🎙️ Produced by TIM Africa.