Decide what a successful exit means
Write down your preferred timing, minimum cash needs, willingness to finance a portion of the price and the role you want after closing. Separate personal goals from assumptions about market value. If several owners are involved, resolve authority and expectations before inviting buyers into the discussion.
Define the assets and the scope
Prepare an included-and-excluded asset schedule. Identify equipment, inventory, customer relationships, intellectual property and any obligations a buyer may assume. Determine early whether real estate, a lease, regulated operating licenses or ownership interests are involved. Those details can change who may lawfully market and handle the transaction.
Build an evidence-based sale package
Reconcile financial statements to tax filings and underlying records. Explain seasonal changes, one-time expenses and owner work. A buyer should see both opportunity and the operational effort required to achieve it. A clear package reduces confusion; it does not replace independent due diligence.
Introduce buyers in stages
Start with an anonymized summary. Before identifying the company, use an appropriate confidentiality agreement and evaluate the buyer’s experience, available funds and timetable. Share detailed customer, employee and financial material only at a justified stage through a controlled process.
Compare complete offers
Purchase price is one line in a larger agreement. Review cash at closing, financing conditions, working capital, included inventory, holdbacks, seller obligations and the transition period. Your attorney and tax adviser help evaluate how those provisions affect risk and net proceeds.
Coordinate diligence and closing
Maintain a request list, assign responsibility and agree on a realistic schedule. Keep operating results current while questions are resolved. Counsel prepares and reviews legal documents; licensed professionals handle regulated activities, and the closing provider handles funds. Establish the practical handoff before ownership changes.
Related resources
Seller checklist · The sale process · Our role and licensed partners
Let’s talk about the business you built.
Start with your goals, business location and the assets you want to include in a sale.
Request a confidential conversation ↗