Manage Smart
Driving corporate value through strategic partnerships, restructures, mergers and acquisitions
Discuss Your Transaction
Corporate Advisory
Expert Corporate Development Guidance
Steve Brett specialises in corporate development and strategic transactions, predominantly in prop-tech companies seeking to maximise value through acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring, and strategic partnerships. With deep expertise across the technology sector, Steve helps companies navigate complex transactions, strategic divestitures, and partnership opportunities to unlock value and accelerate growth.
Operating as an embedded Director of Corporate Development, Steve brings strategic insight and execution capability to maximise transaction value for clients. Whether you're exploring M&A opportunities, considering a strategic exit, or evaluating partnership structures, the focus remains on delivering optimal outcomes aligned with your corporate objectives.
Based in Sydney Olympic Park, Manage Smart Pty Limited provides trusted advisory services to corporate executives, founders, and investors across Australia and internationally, with particular strength in technology-enabled businesses and government procurement environments.
Core Expertise
  • Strategic M&A advisory
  • Divestiture management
  • Corporate restructuring
  • Partnership development
  • Government procurement

Confidential consultations: All initial discussions conducted under strict confidentiality
Corporate Development Expertise
Steve Brett serves as Director of Corporate Development for select companies, leading strategic initiatives that drive measurable value creation. With comprehensive experience across the transaction lifecycle, from strategic planning through execution and closure, clients benefit from board-level advisory combined with hands-on implementation expertise.
Strategic Partnerships
Structuring and negotiating white-labelling agreements, licensing deals, and go-to-market partnerships that accelerate revenue growth and market penetration.
Divestitures & Exits
Identifying optimal buyers, structuring transactions, and negotiating terms for business unit sales and strategic exits that maximise shareholder value.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, from target identification through comprehensive due diligence and successful transaction closure.
Restructuring
Assessing corporate and operational structures, creating and implementing corporate change programmes, and re-focusing businesses on core customer value propositions to drive efficiency and growth.
Government Procurement
Navigating complex government tender processes, whole-of-government opportunities, and standing offer arrangements across federal, state, and local government sectors.
With deep experience in software development, sales, operations, and support—including SaaS platforms, data management systems, and enterprise technology solutions—Steve brings strategic insight and execution capability to maximise transaction value for clients across diverse industry verticals.
Advisory Services
Comprehensive Services Portfolio
Corporate Development Leadership
Serving as embedded Director of Corporate Development, providing strategic transaction planning and execution, M&A target identification and evaluation, partnership development and structuring, plus board-level strategic advisory on critical growth initiatives.
Strategic Divestiture Advisory
Leading the complete divestiture process from strategy through execution, including principal identification across strategic, financial, and government sectors, deal structure optimisation, valuation analysis, negotiation strategy, and transaction management through closure.
Corporate Restructuring
Leading whole-of-company operational, management, and leadership restructure programmes. Comprehensive assessment of effectiveness against strategic imperatives, creation of corporate change projects, and leadership of implementation to embed lasting organisational improvements.
Specialised Government & Transaction Services
Government Procurement Strategy
Navigating Australia's complex government procurement landscape with proven expertise across federal, state, and local government opportunities. Services include identification of whole-of-government and agency-level opportunities, strategic positioning for standing offer arrangements and panel participation, comprehensive tender response development and presentation, plus stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
With extensive experience working within federal, state, and local governments right across Australia, Steve brings insider knowledge of procurement frameworks, compliance standards, and decision-making processes that technology companies need to succeed in the government sector.
Transaction Structuring
Designing optimal deal structures for complex commercial situations, including white-label and licensing agreements that preserve brand value whilst expanding market reach, revenue share and royalty models aligned with long-term value creation, hybrid acquisition structures that balance risk and reward, plus joint ventures and strategic partnerships that leverage complementary capabilities.
Creative structuring maximises value whilst addressing buyer requirements, risk considerations, and regulatory constraints. Each transaction structure is tailored to the specific commercial objectives, market dynamics, and stakeholder requirements of the engagement.
Methodology
Strategic Approach to Value Creation
Every engagement follows a rigorous, proven methodology designed to maximise transaction value whilst managing risk and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. The approach combines strategic thinking with practical execution, ensuring alignment between corporate objectives and transaction outcomes.
Discovery & Strategy
Comprehensive analysis of your business, competitive landscape, and strategic options to identify optimal transaction pathways aligned with corporate objectives.
Buyer Identification
Systematic identification and qualification of potential acquirers, partners, and strategic counterparties across multiple buyer categories and market segments.
Deal Structuring
Creative structuring of transactions to maximise value whilst addressing buyer requirements, risk considerations, and regulatory frameworks.
Execution & Negotiation
Leading all aspects of transaction execution, from initial outreach through comprehensive due diligence, commercial negotiation, legal documentation, and successful closure. Proactive management of timelines, stakeholder communications, and deal dynamics throughout.
Results-Driven
Compensation structures aligned with successful outcomes, ensuring complete alignment with client objectives. Success-based fee arrangements available for qualifying engagements, demonstrating confidence in delivering measurable value.
Proven Track Record & Credentials
Steven Brett brings 25 years of experience in business strategy, corporate development, and strategic transactions, with particular expertise in technology-enabled businesses and complex commercial environments. As a national corporate multi-award winner in Service Excellence and Charter Development, Steve's track record demonstrates consistent delivery of exceptional outcomes for clients.
Steve holds a Degree in Business Management, an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, is a qualified Adult Educator (TAA), an Australian Management Institute Fellow, a Customer Service Institute Fellow, and a member of AICD & NSW Justices Association. He has served on government, corporate, and charitable boards including as Chair, bringing governance expertise to strategic advisory engagements.
Technology Sector Focus
Deep understanding of SaaS business models, platform economics, subscription revenue dynamics, and technology M&A dynamics in the Australian and international markets. Extensive experience with software-as-a-service businesses and enterprise technology platforms.
Board-Level Advisory
Trusted adviser to CEOs and boards on strategic options, transaction timing, and deal structuring for maximum shareholder value. Focus on business-to-business technology platforms serving vertical markets and enterprise customers.
Government Sector Experience
Proven track record navigating Australian government procurement processes at federal, state, and local levels. Understanding of government ICT requirements, procurement frameworks, compliance standards, and decision-making protocols.
Transaction Execution
End-to-end transaction management from strategy through closure, including principal identification, due diligence facilitation, commercial negotiation, and legal documentation. Results-oriented approach aligned with client objectives.
Global Experience Across Industries
Steve has worked with federal, state, and local governments right across Australia, plus multi-national corporations, large enterprises, and medium-sized businesses in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Philippines, and India. This international experience brings valuable perspective on cross-border transactions, regulatory environments, and market dynamics.
Industry Verticals
Telecommunications
Network infrastructure, service providers, and communication platforms
Transport & Infrastructure
Logistics, transport management systems, and infrastructure projects
Financial Technology
Fin-tech platforms, payment systems, and financial services technology
Property Technology
Prop-tech solutions, property management platforms, and real estate technology
Security & Defence
Security systems, defence technology, and critical infrastructure protection
Healthcare & Insurance
Health technology platforms, insurance systems, and medical software
Utilities & Education
Utility management systems, educational technology, and public services
Property & Construction
Property development, construction management, venue operations, and regulatory compliance
Engagement Models
How We Work Together
Flexible engagement models designed to align with your specific requirements, timeline, and commercial objectives. Each engagement is structured to ensure optimal outcomes whilst maintaining the confidentiality and professionalism that complex corporate transactions demand.
Embedded Corporate Development
Acting as Director of Corporate Development for the duration of your strategic initiative, providing continuous strategic guidance, transaction management, and board-level advisory throughout the engagement period.
  • Ongoing strategic planning
  • Transaction pipeline management
  • Board reporting and advisory
  • Stakeholder relationship management
Transaction Advisory
Focused engagement for specific M&A, divestiture, or partnership projects with defined scope and timeline, providing dedicated expertise from strategy through successful transaction closure.
  • Project-specific engagement
  • Defined deliverables and timeline
  • Transaction execution focus
  • Results-oriented approach
Success-Based Structures
Compensation structures aligned with transaction outcomes, ensuring complete alignment between adviser and client objectives. Success-based fee arrangements demonstrate confidence in delivering measurable value.
  • Aligned incentives
  • Performance-based fees
  • Risk-sharing structures
  • Value-focused engagement
Confidential & Professional
All engagements conducted with strict confidentiality, professional discretion, and complete alignment with your strategic objectives. Robust confidentiality protocols, secure communication channels, and professional standards ensure sensitive commercial information remains protected throughout the engagement.
Whether you're exploring a potential transaction, evaluating strategic alternatives, or actively pursuing a specific opportunity, initial consultations provide a confidential forum to discuss your objectives and explore how corporate development expertise can help achieve your goals.
Discuss Your Strategic Initiative
Whether you're considering a restructure, exploring divestiture options, evaluating acquisition opportunities, or investigating strategic partnerships, let's discuss how corporate development expertise can help maximise value and achieve your strategic objectives.
Schedule a confidential consultation to explore your specific situation, strategic alternatives, and potential transaction pathways. All initial discussions are conducted under strict confidentiality with no obligation.
Contact Details
Manage Smart Pty Limited
Level 1, 9 Australia Avenue
Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Australia
Confidential consultations: All initial discussions conducted under strict confidentiality with professional discretion.