A different kind of buyer
Selling your business is a significant decision. You care about your employees, your customers, your reputation and what your life will look like once you leave. You want to make the right choice.
Traverse Partners understands this and our goal is to provide a seamless transition for you and help you make the right choice.
We are an ownership group looking for one business to acquire and run. We are a unique buyer. Established for the purpose of helping a single owner transition.
Our founder, Charlie Wilkinson will work with you through the acquisition and then step in to run the business with your team. Our goal is to preserve your legacy and grow your business sustainably. We take the time to understand your goals and ensure the transition works for you and everyone involved. We do not tie you into working at the business long term.
Our team consists of experienced business owners, deal professionals and operators. We are well funded and can move confidently and efficiently through a transaction.
If you are thinking about succession, get in touch to chat further.
What we are looking for
We are looking for established businesses with most of the following characteristics. If you are unsure whether you fit, reach out for a confidential conversation.
Location
Located in New Zealand or Australia
Profitability
$2M+ EBITDA
Succession
Owner or founders ready to transition
Track Recrod
Operating for at least 3 years
Customers
Recurring or repeat customer base
EBITDA margins
Greater than 15%
Our Team
Charlie Wilkinson, Managing Director
SME’s are the cornerstone of our economy, essential to our communities and places where many of us spend a good chunk of our life. However, there is a growing number of these businesses that are entering a succession challenge with no clear path to hand over the reins.
I founded Traverse Partners to provide a path for one business owner to make this transition.
Before starting Traverse Partners, I trained as a civil engineer, then spent a decade working across strategy consulting, investment, and business operations. I've worked inside SMEs and alongside them. Helping owners think through strategy, structure their teams, and figure out where to take the business next. That range of experience is something I've specifically built so I can step into a business and keep things running well from day one.
Alongside me is a group of investors and advisors who have run and sold businesses themselves. People who've been in your position and who take a genuine interest in the business that we back.
Beyond my group of investors, I am supported in this journey by my wife Amanda, my family and friends who are spread across New Zealand and Australia. When I’m not talking with business owners you’ll find me (or won’t find me) on the water or in the mountains.
If you're thinking about what the next chapter looks like for your business, I'd genuinely enjoy a conversation.
1. Initial conversation
A confidential, no-obligation discussion to understand your situation and share how we work.
2. Discovery
We take time to learn about your business, your customers, your team, and what matters most to you in a transition.
3. Indicative offer
If there is a mutual fit, we will put forward a clear and straightforward offer. We are transparent about our thinking and our process.
4. Due diligence
A focused and respectful process. We work efficiently and keep disruption to a minimum so your business continues to run smoothly throughout.
5. Closing and transition
We work with you to ensure a smooth handover on a timeline that suits you. Our goal is a transition that works for your business, your team, and your customers.