The Andrew Faris Podcast Inside An 8-Figure Dog Brand Exit – What Made It Sellable (Ft. Bill D'Allesandro)
Jul 1, 2025
Bill D'Allesandro, former CEO of Natural Dog Co and now Head of M&A at Food Science, shares insights from his successful exit to a private equity firm. He discusses strategies that make DTC brands appealing to buyers, the importance of omnichannel distribution, and common pitfalls founders face during an exit. Bill also emphasizes the critical role of operational talent and emotional challenges surrounding the sale process. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on how to optimize profits and enhance business valuations in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
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Hire Experts for Selling
- Hire an experienced investment bank and legal counsel immediately when approached for a sale. - This ensures professional deal handling and better presentation of your business to buyers.
Speak Buyers' Language
- Founders often undervalue the importance of speaking private equity's language and presenting financials properly. - Failure to do so causes buyers to misunderstand the business and reduces the price offered.
Being a Strategic Buyer Target
- Strategic buyers seek brands that fit their portfolio and provide complementary expertise. - Being on a strategic buyer's 'whiteboard' list is key to getting bought.
