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How To Sell My Business

Our structured, 10-step method helps business owners enhance their valuation, simplify the sales process, and reduce unexpected issues.

 

At CFC Strategy, we have provided guidance on transactions totalling over $30 billion and are here to assist you in selling your business.

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Have you tried our simple Business Valuation Calculation tool?

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01

Strategic Planning

  1. Clarify your objectives and timeline

  2. Define deal structure preferences (share sale vs asset sale)

  3. Identify potential buyer types (strategic acquirers, financial investors, management buy-outs)

02

Financial Preparation

  1. Organise and audit financial statements for the past 3–5 years

  2. Reconcile accounts receivable/payable and clean up off-balance-sheet items

  3. Establish normalised earnings by adjusting for one-off expenses and owner’s discretionary costs

  4. Prepare detailed financial projections and budgets

  5. Review and optimise working capital requirements

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03

Operational Readiness

  1. Document key processes, policies, and standard operating procedures

  2. Ensure IT systems and data backups are in place

  3. Perform a gap analysis on critical roles and cross-train staff

  4. Conduct an inventory audit and resolve obsolete or slow-moving stock

  5. Address any compliance or health & safety issues

04

Legal and Regulatory

  1. Compile corporate records: shareholder agreements, board minutes, articles of association

  2. Review contracts (customer, supplier, lease, loan) for assignability and change-of-control provisions

  3. Clear any litigation, disputes,  regulatory breaches

  4. Verify intellectual property ownership

  5. Confirm employment agreements and pension commitments are up to date

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05

Commercial & Market Positioning

  1. Prepare a concise Information Memorandum outlining business model, market, growth prospects

  2. Highlight unique selling points: technology, customer relationships, or proprietary processes

  3. Gather customer testimonials, case studies

  4. Benchmark against competitors and demonstrate market share trends

  5. Clean up the company’s website, social media, PR

06

 People and Culture

  1. Identify and secure key management team commitments for transition support

  2. Define employee retention incentives

  3. Assess, document any labour disputes or HR issues

  4. Plan communication strategy for staff to maintain morale during sale process

  5. Confirm non-compete and confidentiality clauses are enforceable

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07

Tax and Structuring

  1. Obtain tax advice on capital gains, VAT, and transaction structuring

  2. Review shareholding structure for tax-efficient exit (holdco, SPV considerations)

  3. Prepare tax filings and clear any liabilities

  4. Explore rollover & entrepreneurs’ relief eligibility

  5. Ensure bank facilities and debt arrangements support transaction timing

08

Data Room and Documentation

  1. Establish secure virtual data room (VDR) with controlled access

  2. Organize folders: corporate, financial, legal, HR, IP, commercial, IT, environmental

  3. Index and cross-reference documents for ease of buyer review

  4. Implement Q&A tracking for buyer inquiries

  5. Ensure confidentiality agreements are signed prior to access

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09

Deal Execution

  1. Pre-qualify buyers and conduct initial management presentations

  2. Collect and evaluate non-binding offers (Indicative Offers)

  3. Manage due diligence logistics and update management on progress

  4. Negotiate key commercial and legal terms (SPA, warranties, indemnities)

  5. Coordinate funding approvals and regulatory consents

10

Closing and Transition

  1. Finalize Sale and Purchase Agreement and ancillary documents

  2. Manage escrow arrangements and post-completion earn-outs

  3. Communicate transaction to employees, customers, and suppliers

  4. Oversee hand-over of management responsibilities

  5. Complete post-sale obligations (tax filings, release of security, license transfers)

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