The process
How a business changes hands.
A business sale is a sequence of careful steps. Here is what happens, who does what, and roughly how long it takes.
For sellers
Eight steps from conversation to closing.
We manage each step and keep you informed, so you can keep running the business.
- 01
A confidential conversation
We learn about your business, your goals and your timeline. Nothing leaves the room.
Usually a relaxed first meeting, often with the LAER agent who introduced us. No paperwork, no obligation.
- 02
Financial review
We gather the essentials: three years of financials and tax returns, leases, and a list of the assets that come with the sale.
We tell you exactly what we need and help you organize it. You do not need perfect books to start.
- 03
An honest valuation
We recast your financials to show true owner earnings and tell you what the market is likely to pay, and what could raise that number.
If the business is not ready yet, we will say so and show you what to work on first.
- 04
Confidential marketing
We prepare a blind teaser and a detailed confidential information memorandum, then present your business only to screened buyers under NDA.
No signs, no public address, no business name. Employees, customers and competitors stay unaware.
- 05
Buyer meetings
We qualify every buyer for experience and financing before they meet you, then prepare you for each conversation.
- 06
Offers and letter of intent
We bring you offers, compare price and terms side by side, and negotiate a letter of intent that protects you.
- 07
Due diligence
We manage the buyer’s requests and keep the process moving with your attorney and accountant, so you can keep running the business.
- 08
Closing and transition
We coordinate every party to the closing table and help plan a smooth handoff to the new owner.
A typical timeline
Six to twelve months, start to finish.
Every sale is different. Larger and more complex businesses can take longer, and well-prepared ones can move faster.
- Weeks 1 to 4
Prepare
Conversation, financial review, valuation and the listing agreement.
- Weeks 4 to 8
Position
Blind teaser and confidential information memorandum written and approved by you.
- Months 2 to 6
Market
Quiet outreach, buyer screening, NDAs, meetings and offers.
- Months 6 to 12
Close
Letter of intent, diligence, financing, closing and transition.
Key documents
The paperwork, in plain English.
A few documents carry most of the weight in a business sale. Here is what each one does.
- Blind teaser
- A one-page anonymous summary of the opportunity. It attracts interest without revealing who you are.
- Non-disclosure agreement
- Signed by every buyer before they receive anything that could identify the business.
- Confidential information memorandum
- The full story: history, operations, team, customers, financials and growth opportunities.
- Letter of intent
- The agreed price, structure, financing and timeline, signed before formal diligence begins.
- Purchase agreement
- The binding contract, prepared by the attorneys, that the closing is built around.
For buyers
The buyer's side of the table.
Buyers follow a parallel path, designed to protect the owner's confidentiality and give serious buyers everything they need to decide.
- 01
Register your criteria
Tell us what you are looking for: industry, size, location, timing and how you plan to finance.
- 02
Introductory call
A short call so we understand your background and can match you with the right opportunities.
- 03
Sign an NDA
When an opportunity fits, you review a blind summary first, then sign a non-disclosure agreement for the full details.
- 04
Review the business
Study the confidential information memorandum, ask questions and request what you need to decide.
- 05
Meet the owner
We arrange a meeting or site visit, discreetly and on the owner’s schedule.
- 06
Make an offer
Submit a letter of intent with price, structure and financing. We help both sides find terms that work.
- 07
Diligence and close
Confirm what you are buying with your advisors and lender, then close and begin the transition.
