Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) should never feel rushed or impersonal, but the pressure to close quickly can be intense. Vanla Group is here to redefine the M&A experience for business owners.
Instead of focusing on speed and volume, the team shifts the conversation to education and alignment. Their goal is to help founders exit with confidence.
“We are experienced, efficient, and help educate our clients so they can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes,” says Paul Cheetham, the passionate founder behind Vanla Group.
Sell a business with personalized support from a founder who understands the M&A journey
Cheetham is no stranger to the challenges small business owners face. Originally from Sydney, Australia, he sharpened his analytical and problem-solving skills in the IT sector. His career path led him to Canada, where his role as a Certified Financial Planner at BMO Private Banking equipped him with firsthand experience guiding clients through complex financial decisions.
Then, everything changed. While studying at Harvard Business School, a professor inspired Cheetham to buy a business.
“After working with a broker to purchase my first company, I discovered that I could do pretty much everything he was doing,” recalls Cheetham. “I tripled the company’s size and listed it myself three years later. Next, I started my own work as a broker and Business Certified Appraiser (BCA).”
Now, Cheetham applies all this knowledge and experience to a new mission. His goal is to help entrepreneurs retain the equity they worked so hard to build.
“You wouldn’t take flight lessons from a person who’s never been on a plane, would you?” asks Cheetham. “When you go to negotiate the sale of your business, you deserve guidance from someone who has been in your shoes. I’ll make sure you go into the process fully prepared, which can save you an exceptional amount of money in the long run.”
Vanla Group shifts the M&A conversation from speed to meaningful alignment
Instead of pressuring owners to accept the first or fastest offer, Vanla Group emphasizes alignment. Put simply? The team ensures that the buyer, deal terms, and exit strategy align with the unique needs and goals of each owner.
“When your business falls between the $2-20 range, too many advisors are tempted to rush the deal,” observes Cheetham. “For you, the exit is a life-changing transition. But for them, it’s just another transaction, one that they need to get done quickly. That’s where we’re different. We slow down, educate, and guide you through a process that feels clear and controlled, where your knowledge and interests lead the way.”
Vanla Group believes an exit should never feel rushed. The team builds its entire service philosophy on trust, education, and alignment. Instead of pushing sellers into accepting the fastest deal, Vanla Group takes the time to create clear, confident pathways to ownership transition, where every decision is informed, thoughtful, and aligned with the owner’s unique goals.
Vanla Group offers M&A support that empowers business owners to exit with confidence
All business owners want clarity and confidence at the time of their exit. Vanla Group recognizes that the $2-$20 million business market is a critical sweet spot where owners often lack tailored support. Large brokerage firms tend to focus on high-volume deals. Meanwhile, marketplaces overload owners with unqualified buyers, leaving entrepreneurs overwhelmed and uncertain.
Building on Paul’s experience, Vanla Group takes a different approach. They equip sellers with the tools, templates, and knowledge to take control of their sales.
The company’s full-service business exits provide a dedicated team to manage every detail. For busy owners who want a trusted guide to steer their sale, this end-to-end management offers peace of mind.
“Our full-service exits take care of everything,” explains Cheetham. “After our valuation specialists help you identify your business’s listing price, we create a full Confidential Information Memorandum. We showcase your company to selected buyers and place it in the right marketplaces. To ensure a smooth closing, we screen out inexperienced and unqualified buyers and handle any last-minute issues.”
Vanla Group tailors strategies specific to each business. Each marketing package, valuation, and negotiation plan is custom-built with care and precision.
Why Vanla Group’s M&A approach resonates in today’s small business market
The “fast sale at any cost” mentality is losing favor with today’s small business founders. A more transparent and personalized approach is rising in its place.
Cheetham’s background as an IT professional, certified financial planner, business appraiser, and serial entrepreneur brings a unique understanding to the table. It enables Vanla Group to speak the language of numbers, strategy, and human relationships equally well.
“You can sell on your own terms, supported by an expert who’s been exactly where you are,” Cheetham concludes. “We remove the confusion and frustration that clouds M&A deals and let you move through the process with confidence.”