When business owners start thinking about selling, the focus is usually on:
- valuation
- timing
- finding the right buyer
All important—but not the full picture.
1. Clean Financials and Clear Story
Buyers don’t just evaluate numbers—they evaluate:
- consistency
- clarity
- and how the business actually operates
The easier it is to understand the business, the easier it is to move a deal forward.
2. Realistic Expectations Around Terms
Purchase price gets attention—but terms matter just as much.
This can include:
- working capital targets
- post-closing obligations
- potential earnouts or carrybacks
Understanding how these work ahead of time avoids surprises later.
3. Coordination with Advisors
The best outcomes typically involve:
- a strong broker
- aligned legal counsel
- clear communication across the deal team
When that alignment is there, deals tend to move faster and with less friction.
Where Legal Fits In
At this stage, legal isn’t just about documenting the sale.
It’s about:
- helping structure the deal
- identifying issues early
- and supporting the process from LOI through closing
If you’re preparing for a sale, you can learn more about how I approach M&A transactions here.