Independent Business Review
Independent Business Review: an objective assessment of your company
An Independent Business Review quickly gives shareholders, supervisory boards, lenders and management an objective view of a company's performance and prospects. We test liquidity, profitability and forecasts, and deliver a clear report with recommendations that can actually be implemented.
What is an Independent Business Review?
An Independent Business Review (IBR) is an assessment of a company's financial and operational health by a party with no stake in the outcome. It results in a view on the viability of the business, the feasibility of its plans and the measures required.
When do you need an independent business assessment?
- Your bank asks for one, for instance on transfer to its special assets unit or at refinancing.
- Shareholders or the supervisory board want an objective view alongside management's.
- You are considering investing in or acquiring a company.
- Results are falling short and you want to know the real cause.
- As owner-director you want an honest outside view of your own business.
What we review
- Liquidity: the current cash position and a 13-week forecast.
- Profitability: margins by product, customer and activity.
- Forecasts and business plan: how realistic are the assumptions?
- Organisation and management: can this team deliver the plan?
- Funding: structure, covenants and room to refinance.
- Options: which scenarios exist and what do they require?
Not a report for the drawer
Many business reviews end as a report. Our recommendations are concrete, prioritised and workable, because we are used to implementing them ourselves. Would you like us to help with delivery after the review? That is possible, as turnaround manager or through performance improvement. Where independence is a condition for the client, we agree clear terms in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Independent Business Review take?
A few weeks, depending on scope and urgency. With acute cash flow problems we deliver the first findings sooner.
Who commissions an IBR?
Usually the company itself, often at the request of the bank or shareholders. The report is shared with all parties involved, so everyone works from the same facts.
How does an IBR differ from due diligence?
Due diligence examines a company for a buyer or investor. An IBR assesses viability and plans, usually for existing lenders and shareholders, and focuses on what needs to happen.
Is an Independent Business Review confidential?
Yes. We work under strict confidentiality and agree in advance with whom the report will be shared.
Contact
Let’s get acquainted
Is your business facing a decisive moment, or would you rather stay ahead of one? Call or email Marcus directly for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Marcus Preijde, partner