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Preparing Your Business for Sale: A Seller's Guide

January 20, 20267 min read

Start Early

The best time to prepare for a sale is 12-24 months before you want to exit. Buyers and their advisors will scrutinize your financials, operations, and documentation. Clean books and clear processes increase value and speed up the process.

Financial Cleanup

  • Ensure P&Ls match tax returns for at least 3 years
  • Document every add-back with receipts or justification
  • Separate personal expenses from business expenses
  • Organize contracts, leases, and key agreements

Reduce Owner Dependency

Buyers pay a premium for businesses that can run without the owner. Build a management layer, document processes, and demonstrate that key employees can operate independently.

Understand Your Value

Get a Broker Opinion of Value before listing. This helps you set realistic expectations, identify value drivers, and understand what buyers will focus on during diligence.

Working With ExitGrowth Business Brokers

We offer free value estimates and formal Valuation & Seller Strategy services. We can also take select sell-side listings or refer you to trusted brokers when appropriate.

Need help evaluating a deal?

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