Our Ethos
Protecting your clients and your legacy
At AWI, we have a distinct perspective on the acquisitions we make. We, of course, want to offer an exit strategy that’s as lucrative for you as possible, however, we understand that the decision to sell your business is a deeply personal one. Beyond the financial element, it’s about entrusting what is probably your life’s work to a partner who’ll preserve its integrity and nurture its growth.
We have a genuine commitment to the financial professionals who launch and shape these businesses, and we build partnerships based on trust, transparency and a shared vision of long-term success. It’s an approach that goes beyond mere acquisition, delivering a collaborative environment where legacies endure.
To truly understand our ethos, it’s helpful to understand the issues that many business owners face when dealing with private equity firms – and why we’re a more considered alternative. From a business owner’s perspective, selling to a private equity firm can be concerning for any number of reasons:
Private equity firms often implement earn-out structures, tying future payments to performance targets. These targets may be unrealistic or beyond the advisor’s control, leading to potential burn-outs rather than payouts.
After selling, advisors may find their autonomy diminished. Private equity firms can impose changes to operations, management and company culture, potentially conflicting with the advisor’s original vision and values.
Private equity firms also have a tendency to push for long tie-in periods and immediate reinvestments, which can create pressure and uncertainty for advisors seeking a comfortable transition or retirement.
Major departures from historic company culture and operations implemented by the private equity firms can negatively impact clients and employees, many of whom you may have developed personal friendships with over the years.
In contrast to the private equity approach, we place great value on the specific identity of each business we acquire. Your business worked for a reason – and that reason shouldn’t be tampered with. To quote an old proverb, “”If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Instead, we provide our partners with the resources and support they need to flourish, without imposing rigid, profit-driven changes. Our focus is on enhancing existing strengths, not replacing them. The relationships you’ve built with clients over the years are one of your businesses most valuable assets, and we strive to maintain and strengthen them in line with your original vision.
Keeping standard consistently high
In addition to maintaining legacies, our ethos is also driven by the constant pursuit of excellence. To this end, we invest in cutting-edge technologies that streamline processes, improving efficiency and allowing advisors to focus more meaningfully on their clients.
Needless to say, integrity and transparency are key factors in our operations. We believe in open communication and honest dealings at all times, ensuring that every interaction is built on mutual respect and trust. This commitment to the highest ethical standards, strengthens the confidence not only of our clients and partners, but of the wider financial community.
In short, if you’re considering selling your life’s work, it’s better to sell it to someone who understands it and values it in the same way you do.
To find out more about the acquisition opportunities that AWI Services can offer your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch.