How to Exit a Recruitment Business the Right Way: Valuations & Sale Readiness with Matt Fox

Nitin speaks with Matt Fox, founder of Exitus Advisory, about the realities of selling a recruitment business. Matt explores why most recruitment agencies never successfully exit, unpacking the myths around valuations, multiples, and what buyers actually prioritise. The conversation covers the factors that drive value – including risk management, leadership teams, revenue diversification, and recurring revenue models – alongside practical considerations like deferred consideration and earn-outs.

Matt shares insights into common exit barriers, such as owner-dependent billing and client concentration, and discusses the timing of sales. He explains why profitability and risk profile matter more than revenue alone, and how features like RPO-style services and PSLs influence buyer interest. The episode offers agency owners starting to consider an exit a framework for understanding their current readiness and value proposition.