For small businesses, a merger or acquisition typically follows several key stages: preparation and valuation, identifying and approaching potential buyers or targets, signing a heads of agreement, conducting due diligence, negotiating the final sale and purchase agreement, and completing the transaction. A corporate advisor manages this process, prepares the business for sale, and represents the owner’s interests throughout negotiations. Good preparation — clean financials, documented processes, and resolved legal issues — significantly increases both the attractiveness of a business and the price it achieves. The process typically takes between six and twelve months from start to finish.
