Deal structure is very important. The structure of an acquisition can take many forms and it does impact the final price. Some things that need to be considered are whether it is an asset or share purchase and what assets are included or excluded from the purchase. There are implications for all of these decisions and they need to assessed on how they impact your deal.

Securing financing can often be the "hold up" for most deals, whether it be for acquiring a business or financing for another type of project such as expansion, construction, equipment, etc.

Below is an article I have written titled "How to Get Financing that Fits", its focus is on what lenders typically look at when making financing decisions. You may find the information most helpful as it can help you to better prepare your financial "resume" for the time when you may need to seek financing.

Letters of intent (LOI) are an initial agreement between a business buyer and seller. An LOI summarizes transaction terms and conditions that have been negotiated and agreed upon by both parties.

Most LOIs are non-binding and merely serve as an outline of business terms, key business agreement points, and contingencies, before a Definitive Purchase Agreement and other ancillary documents exist.

Selling a company means being prepared to answer tough questions from potential buyers. It's important to be confident, be prepared, and have all of your company's relevant information available to disclose. Assume that the truth would be uncovered during due diligence, and offer it freely. This will build trust and contribute to a speedier transaction.

Selling your business will likely be one of the largest financial events in your life, so it's vitally important that you are properly prepared when selling your business. For many business owners, the thought of selling the business they have grown and operated can be emotional and challenging.

Due diligence is the most important part of any acquisition. It helps buyers determine the value of the business they're purchasing, evaluates the current management, and brings risk and opportunities to light. Successful due diligence is a matter of proper preparation, managing expectations, and adhering to best-practice processes.

You've made the decision to sell your business. Now what should you do? Your number one priority should be discretion. Without complete confidentiality during the sale of your business, unwanted complications may start to pile up.