The model
Aligned incentives
Chateau Partners is structured around a single principle: the advisor only wins when the client wins.
Client-set transaction fee — No predetermined success fee and no minimum that could bias advice toward closing a deal. The client decides after value has been delivered.
No lock-in — Either side can terminate the engagement at any point. No extended tail periods that create misalignment between advisor and client interests.
Referrals only — No outbound marketing or prospecting. The model depends on earned trust, satisfied clients, and strong references. Chateau Partners will advise against a sale when another path is better.
Simple, transparent terms
Short engagement letter — Plain English, one page. No long-term commitment. Either side can terminate at any time with no tail period.
Discretionary transaction fee — A target range is agreed at the outset and remains fully discretionary. The client decides the actual fee after value has been delivered.
Hourly retainer — A fixed hourly fee, prepaid. Not a profit center. The structure is designed to discourage busy work. Client-friendly time tracking.
Intentionally different
Not a high-volume auction shop. Quality and fit over deal count.
Not a junior-banker model. No handoffs, senior judgment throughout.
Not fee-maximizing. No minimum-fee bias toward closing a bad deal.
Not a lock-in relationship. Either side can terminate at any time.