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Insights

Selling Your Business

The Sale Process

Selling a business is a time-consuming process.  It generally takes anywhere from six months to over a year to successfully sell a business.  There is a significant time commitment required from the seller of the business, which often is in addition to the day-to-day activities of running the business.  The sale process involves:

  1. Sell-side due diligence to identify readiness for a sale and any potential barriers that require fixing. 

  2. Pre-marketing Preparation (45 to 120 days for well-managed business with proper financial and operational processes otherwise it will take longer)

  • Preparing the Teaser – a “no-name” document to be shared with potential buyers.

  • Preparing the Confidential Information Memorandum – a detailed overview of the company to be shared with potential buyers who have signed a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

  • Preparation for setting up a data room where the seller posts all due diligence material.

  • Normalization of financials - generally needed for most middle-market businesses.

  • Getting the seller team ready for a transaction.

3. Marketing the Company for Sale (75 to 150 days)

  • Reaching out to potential buyers.

  • Preliminary conversation with potential buyers and assessing their ability to execute the transaction.

  • Initial meeting of the buyer(s) and seller.

  • Negotiating a Letter of Intent (LOI).

4. Closing Process (60 to 150 days)

  • Buyer Due Diligence.

  • Drafting & Negotiating of Agreements.

  • Preparation of Transition Plan, including readiness for Day 1 after successfully closing the sale.

At Distinct Capital, we bring over 70 years of collective experience in successfully selling a business.  We will work hand-in-hand with you and guide you through the sale process and ensure a timely close of your deal.