CFO Consulting Partners Helps Horticultural Company Support a Business Sale

CFO Consulting Partners Helps Horticultural Company Support a Business Sale

M&A and liquidity events put intense pressure on the finance function. Sellers face leadership gaps, tight timelines, and critical details—like working capital adjustments, tax exposure, and audit readiness—that can derail a deal if mishandled.​

CFO Consulting Partners steps in to steady the operation and guide strategy. We take on day-to-day finance leadership, help evaluate options, and manage pre- and post-close financial obligations. We also work alongside legal and tax advisors to keep the transaction on track, so the deal gets done cleanly and the business is positioned for what’s next.

 

 

The Challenge

A $60 million horticultural company was days from closing a $45 million sale of three of its four business units when its CFO announced he would retire in three weeks. With 70 employees in limbo, compliance questions unresolved, and a critical stretch ahead, the owner opted to bring in outside senior finance leadership to sort through the complexities, finish the deal, and keep the remaining business afloat.​

The Solution

CFO Consulting Partners (CFOCP) stepped in to help run daily operations while steering the transaction. They flagged a NY WARN Act issue, worked with counsel to issue the required 90‑day notices, and decided who kept working, who stayed on payroll, and who received stay bonuses. At the buyer’s request, they kept the sold units’ accounting on the seller’s system for several months, finalized the post‑close working‑capital adjustment, then gradually transitioned accounting responsibilities and records to the buyer’s team. At the same time, CFOCP resolved outstanding commissions and severance, moved HR to a PEO, and unwound unnecessary vendor relationships. They closed out the asset-backed loan and weekly lender reporting, secured forgiveness on $450K in PPP funds, and helped position the business to operate more efficiently going forward.​

The Outcome

With CFO Consulting Partners’ guidance, the client stabilized its finances and navigated a complex post-sale transition with minimal disruption. The owner was left with a leaner, more efficient operation and a clear financial path forward. CFOCP stayed on for 15 months, providing financial leadership and operational support until a permanent Controller was hired.

​Wants to find out more ways to navigate M&A and liquidity challenges, please contact:

Joseph VonEhr, Director

Email: jvonehr@cfoconsultingpartners.com

M: 203.349.2076 x710