Sale-Preparation Workflows

Don't know where to start? Follow our proven workflows to prepare your business systematically. Each step is designed to make you more attractive to buyers and reduce deal risk.

Core workflows

Financial cleanup & presentation

Make your numbers crystal clear and defensible for due diligence

4-6 weeks

Key tasks:

  • Normalize financials (remove one-time items, owner compensation)
  • Reconcile balance sheet accounts
  • Document revenue recognition policies
  • Clean up accruals and deferred items
  • Prepare quality of earnings analysis
  • Create management accounts suitable for buyers

Legal housekeeping

Address legal issues before they become deal-breakers

6-8 weeks

Key tasks:

  • Review and organize all contracts
  • Resolve outstanding litigation or disputes
  • Verify IP ownership and protection
  • Update shareholder agreements
  • Ensure regulatory compliance
  • Document key employee agreements

Business documentation

Create the materials buyers need to understand your business

3-4 weeks

Key tasks:

  • Write executive summary (teaser)
  • Prepare confidential information memorandum (CIM)
  • Document organizational structure
  • Map key processes and workflows
  • Create customer and supplier lists
  • Compile product/service documentation

Management team preparation

Ensure your team can present the business professionally

2-3 weeks

Key tasks:

  • Prepare management presentation
  • Coach team on Q&A handling
  • Develop buyer-friendly metrics
  • Create department overviews
  • Document key person responsibilities
  • Plan for post-close transition

How our platform helps

Task checklists

Step-by-step guidance with templates, examples, and quality checks for each deliverable

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Document repository

Secure cloud storage for all sale-related documents, organized and version-controlled

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Advisor support

Direct access to M&A advisors who review your work and provide feedback

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Progress tracking

Dashboard showing completion status, upcoming deadlines, and blockers

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Team collaboration

Invite your accountant, lawyer, and other advisors to contribute securely

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Timeline management

Automatic scheduling based on dependencies and typical durations

Typical preparation timeline

1
Month 1-2

Assessment & planning

Exit-readiness assessment, identify gaps, create timeline

2
Month 2-3

Financial & legal cleanup

Normalize financials, resolve legal issues, organize documents

3
Month 3-4

Documentation

Create CIM, management presentation, data room structure

4
Month 4-5

Team preparation

Coach management, prepare Q&A responses, finalize materials

5
Month 5-6

Go-to-market

Launch buyer outreach, begin management presentations

Start preparing your business for sale

Our advisors will help you create a customized preparation plan