DorisMorris

The Complete Business Sale Process

Navigate every phase of selling your business with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. From initial preparation to successful closing.

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6-Phase Sale Process

Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a systematic approach to maximizing your business sale value and ensuring smooth execution.

Phase 1
Preparation & Valuation
2-3 months

Prepare your business for sale and establish value

Key Activities:

  • Business valuation assessment
  • Financial documentation cleanup
  • Operational improvements
  • Legal structure optimization
  • Tax planning consultation

Outcome: Business is market-ready with clear value proposition

Phase 2
Marketing & Outreach
1-2 months

Attract qualified buyers through strategic marketing

Key Activities:

  • Confidential marketing materials
  • Buyer qualification process
  • Initial buyer outreach
  • Non-disclosure agreements
  • Preliminary buyer meetings

Outcome: Qualified buyer pool with genuine interest

Phase 3
Negotiation & LOI
2-4 weeks

Negotiate terms and secure Letter of Intent

Key Activities:

  • Price and terms negotiation
  • Deal structure discussions
  • Letter of Intent drafting
  • Exclusivity agreements
  • Timeline establishment

Outcome: Signed LOI with agreed-upon terms

Phase 4
Due Diligence
4-8 weeks

Buyer validates business information and financials

Key Activities:

  • Financial record review
  • Legal document examination
  • Operational assessment
  • Customer/supplier verification
  • Environmental and compliance checks

Outcome: Buyer confirms business value and terms

Phase 5
Final Negotiation
1-2 weeks

Finalize terms based on due diligence findings

Key Activities:

  • Purchase agreement drafting
  • Price adjustments if needed
  • Closing conditions negotiation
  • Representation and warranties
  • Escrow arrangements

Outcome: Signed purchase agreement ready for closing

Phase 6
Closing
1-2 weeks

Complete the transaction and transfer ownership

Key Activities:

  • Final document review
  • Closing checklist completion
  • Fund wire transfers
  • Asset transfer execution
  • Transition planning

Outcome: Successful business transfer and payment

Critical Success Factors

Keep these key considerations in mind throughout your business sale process

Timeline Variability

Process can take 6-18 months depending on business complexity and market conditions

Professional Team

Engage experienced M&A advisors, attorneys, and accountants early in the process

Confidentiality

Maintain strict confidentiality throughout to protect business operations

Professional Process Management

Successfully navigating the business sale process requires experienced guidance and systematic execution. Our team manages each phase to maximize value and minimize disruption.

What We Manage
  • Complete process timeline and milestone tracking
  • Buyer qualification and communication management
  • Due diligence coordination and documentation
  • Negotiation strategy and execution
  • Closing coordination and problem resolution
Your Benefits
  • Maintain business focus during sale process
  • Professional buyer interaction and screening
  • Reduced risk of deal complications
  • Optimized transaction terms and structure
  • Higher probability of successful closing

Ready to Begin Your Sale Process?

Get professional guidance through every phase of your business sale from preparation to closing

Start Process AssessmentSee Getting Started Guide