Business Accountants: How to Restructure or Prepare Your Business for Sale in New Zealand

In today’s unpredictable business environment, many business owners in Wellington and across New Zealand are facing tough decisions. Whether you’re thinking about restructuring your business or preparing it for sale, it’s essential to take a strategic and well-informed approach. At Outside Accounting Wellington, we support business owners through every step of these transitions — helping reduce risk, maintain compliance, and maximise outcomes.

Considering a Business Restructure? Here’s How to Get Started

If restructuring your business is on the table, it’s likely driven by a need to cut costs, adapt to market changes, or improve long-term viability. While it’s never an easy decision, a clear and compliant process can minimise disruption and reduce stress.

Follow these key steps:

• Develop a business case: Create a written proposal that explains why a restructure is necessary and how changes will support the business’s future success.

• Inform employees early: Email your team with details of the proposed restructure and invite them to a formal consultation meeting. Give at least 2–3 days’ notice.

• Hold a consultation meeting: Present your proposal and outline the reasons for the restructure. Importantly, invite employee feedback and remain open to alternatives — especially if redundancies are being considered.

• Comply with legal obligations: Any proposed changes to employment terms must be provided in writing. Staff must be informed of their right to seek independent advice and given time to do so.

Restructuring involves both people and processes. Our experienced team can guide you through employment law, financial modelling, and communication strategy to help you do it right.

Ready to Sell Your Business? Start With These Essentials

Thinking of selling your business? You’ll need to get everything in order before buyers come knocking. Here’s how to make your business more attractive to potential buyers:

• Clear out unused assets and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

• Build a financial forecast and develop a compelling business plan that highlights profitability, efficiency, and growth potential.

• Resolve any outstanding issues — whether legal, staffing, or contractual.

• Modernise your systems: Up-to-date bookkeeping software, cloud solutions, and health and safety compliance are must-haves.

• Enhance your digital presence: A professional website and active social media channels add real value to your business proposition.

• Focus on your numbers: Clean, well-maintained financial records — especially the past two to three years of profit — are crucial in determining your business’s valuation.

At Outside Accounting, we can help boost your pre-sale profits and prepare the documents and strategies that help you maximise your sale price.

Need support with a restructure or planning your business exit?
Contact Outside Accounting Wellington today for tailored advice that puts your business on the best path forward.