How do I keep my limousine service’s corporate accounts happy through a sale?

Think first about timing. Your best accounts should hear about the sale from you, not from a driver or a rumour, but only after the buyer and you have agreed when to share it. Prepare what you will say: why you are selling, who is taking over, and what stays the same. Keep it short and calm, and avoid promising anything on the buyer’s behalf.

Next, protect the day-to-day experience. Corporate clients notice the driver, the car, the pickup timing and the invoice. Keep the regular chauffeurs on the account, and make sure the booking contact does not change without warning. Check that invoices still arrive in the same format and on the same schedule, and look at who owes you money at the time of the sale, since receivables and payables usually need to be sorted out in the agreement.

Finally, make the introduction count. Where possible, bring the buyer to meet the main contact, and follow up with a personal note after the sale closes. If an account has a written agreement, ask your lawyer whether the other party’s approval is needed before it moves to the new owner.

Key takeaways

• Tell key accounts yourself, after agreeing the timing with the buyer.
• Keep the same chauffeurs, contacts and invoice format where you can.
• Introduce the buyer in person to your main contacts.
• Ask your lawyer whether any account agreement needs approval to transfer.