In the world of mergers and acquisitions, every transaction tells a story of ambition, pressure, and ultimately, transformation. In a recent conversation, Alex Vale, Managing Director of Bravure, shared insights into his journey from startup founder to leading a successful international transaction, and what truly matters when choosing the right advisory partner.
Alex’s journey with Bravure began over 15 years ago, when the business was just a small division within a US parent company. “At that time, it was a pure startup… me and one other,” he recalls. “What followed was a period of steady growth, resilience, and strategic evolution.”
In 2019, the business completed a management buyout across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, rebranding as Bravure. Fast forward to August last year, and the company successfully executed a sale to an international software firm, marking a significant milestone.
“It’s been a journey from just trying to survive the first few years to building a substantial business with major blue-chip clients,” Alex explains.
The most recent transaction wasn’t just about financial outcomes it was deeply personal. With three shareholders at different life stages, aligning priorities was critical.
“One of our key goals was to create a liquidity event so Keryn our executive director, could retire,” Alex says. “At the same time, we wanted to find a home where the business could continue to grow internationally.”
Equally important was maintaining business performance throughout the process.
“We’re a small team, so due diligence can be a real distraction. We had to ensure we didn’t take our eye off the ball.”
When it came time to engage advisors, the decision ultimately came down to preparation, engagement, and mindset.
“The key thing was how prepared and engaged the Nexia team was in that initial meeting,” Alex reflects. “They’d read our history, understood our business, and it didn’t feel like an inconvenience , even though it was right before Christmas.”
This early impression proved decisive.
As the transaction progressed, Alex emphasised the importance of responsiveness and quality.
“Everyone was always contactable. I never had to chase anything,” he says. “The quality of work was consistently high, and we weren’t finding errors or needing to rework things, which freed us up to focus on the other elements of the transaction.”
But beyond execution, it was the proactive approach that stood out.
“They were leading discussions on net debt, working capital, all those critical areas. Even against big four advisors, it felt like Nexia was willing to work alongside us through this time.”
He recalls a pivotal moment late in the process: “There were a few sticking points, and it was clear Nexia went into bat for us on things that mattered to us, even if they didn’t materially impact their fees. That’s when they really earnt their stripes.”
For Alex, one of the most valuable aspects of the relationship was the emotional support during a high-pressure process.
“Running your own business can be pretty lonely,” he admits. “Going through a transaction like this it’s a rollercoaster. Sometimes it wasn’t about advice. It was just having someone listen, help me think things through, and keep things in perspective.”
This ability to balance technical expertise with empathy is, in Alex’s view, what defines a great advisor.
When asked what differentiates exceptional advisors, Alex is clear: it’s not just technical skill.
“That’s a given,” he says. “What really matters is putting the client first – listening, understanding their goals, and being genuinely invested in their outcome.”
He also highlights the importance of long-term relationships. “The best advisors aren’t just there for the transaction. They stay connected and they’re part of your journey beyond the deal.”
Importantly, Alex notes that his experience wasn’t limited to one individual. It reflected a broader culture.
“It feels consistent across the firm,” he explains. “Nexia is big enough to have the capability, but not so big that clients feel like a distraction. You still feel valued.”
So, would he recommend Nexia?
“Absolutely,” Alex says. “I genuinely believe Nexia will achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. They listen, are honest about risks, and fight for what matters. It can be a difficult time but working with a company like Nexia makes it a much smoother ride.”
As Bravure continues its next chapter under new ownership, Alex’s reflections offer a powerful reminder: successful transactions are built not just on numbers, but on trust, alignment, and partnership.
And as he aptly puts it, “If all advisors took the time to truly understand their clients, it would be a much better experience for business owners.”
