100 Deals, Four Checks — What £450M of Acquired Revenue Shows About How Buyers Price a Business

The Four Checks Behind a Business Valuation: how buyers read a set of accounts and what founders can fix before diligence

Saul Cohen has sat on the buyer's side of more than 100 transactions covering over £450M of acquired revenue, and the same four checks decide the price nearly every time. A chartered accountant (ICAEW) trained at PwC, he watched owners hand over accounts built to satisfy a tax return and then lose the argument on value in the first fortnight. He names the four things a buyer actually tests in a set of accounts, what each one signals about risk, and the order they get looked at. He also separates the findings that move a price from the ones that only slow a deal down, so owners stop spending months on the wrong repair. Listeners come away able to run the four checks on their own numbers this quarter, long before anyone else does it for them.

About Saul Cohen

Saul Cohen, podcast guest

Empowering Entrepreneurs with Strategic Financial Advice

1 Business sold before starting his PwC careerPwC Assurance & Risk Management experience£1M+ Annual earnings of business owners he advisesPartner The Expert Eye

Saul Cohen is an experienced accountant, acquisitions advisor, and passionate advocate for entrepreneurship. With a distinguished career that spans top-tier firms such as PwC and leadership roles at The Expert Eye, Saul has honed his expertise in financial audits, risk analysis, and strategic acquisitions. He is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to transition from business operators to savvy investors, unlocking their full potential.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, including his father’s entrepreneurial journey, Saul has dedicated his career to helping small businesses and startups navigate the complexities of tax planning, acquisitions, and exit strategies. His holistic approach not only enhances business valuations but also enables entrepreneurs to reclaim their time and achieve financial freedom.

Saul’s work is characterized by a creative and practical approach to accounting, blending technical expertise with actionable strategies. His unique perspective resonates with successful business owners earning £1M+ annually, particularly those eager to optimize their wealth, prepare for business exits, or make impactful acquisitions.

As a podcast guest, Saul brings inspiring stories, actionable advice, and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs to achieve lasting success and drive positive change in their communities.

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How to Increase Your Business Valuation and Build Wealth with Saul Cohen
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The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson· Listen to Saul Cohen on air