How a sale
actually works.
Most owners only sell their business once. We have done it hundreds of times. Here is what to expect from the moment you engage us through the day funds wire at closing.
Six Phases · 6–9 Months
Preparation
30–60 days
Financial cleanup, EBITDA normalization, quality of earnings analysis, and creation of positioning materials. We build a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that presents your business in the most accurate, compelling way to prospective buyers. We anticipate diligence questions and prepare clean answers in advance, which compresses the back half of the process and protects valuation.
Buyer Identification
2–4 weeks (overlaps with Phase 1)
We build a custom buyer universe specific to your business: strategic acquirers, private equity platforms looking for a fit, family offices, and international buyers where relevant. We prioritize buyers based on strategic fit, willingness to pay, certainty of close, and cultural alignment with your goals.
Outreach & Marketing
4–6 weeks
Confidential outreach using a "blind teaser" that describes your business without identifying it. Interested parties sign an NDA before receiving the full CIM. We manage the flow of buyer questions and access to information carefully throughout, protecting your relationships with employees, customers, and competitors.
Bids & Negotiation
6–8 weeks
Indications of Interest (IOIs) are received and evaluated. The most qualified buyers are invited to management presentations and site visits. They submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) with binding terms. We create and sustain competitive tension throughout, which is where the 21%+ average price increase from initial offer to final terms is generated.
Selection & Diligence
6–10 weeks
You select the buyer based on the totality of price, structure, certainty of close, and post-close considerations (employees, leadership, brand). The buyer enters confirmatory diligence: financial, commercial, legal, environmental, and IT. We manage the data room, control information flow, and answer questions on your behalf so you stay focused on running the business.
Closing
2–4 weeks
Final purchase agreement negotiation, working capital true-up, regulatory approvals (where applicable), and closing mechanics. Funds wire on closing day. We remain involved through the post-close adjustment period to ensure smooth handoff and prompt resolution of any open items.
in this process,
We can help you understand the next step. Initial conversations are confidential and carry no obligation.