2. Transitioning Your Company “To” and “Through” a Sale or Merger

3. Planning For Your Payback: The Marriage Process

4. The Call & First Date The Call The First Date No Mention About:
From buyer, consultant, or broker
The First Date
Nothing to lose but a 2-hour lunch
Discussions about chemistry, philosophy, clients, staff
No Mention About:
Price, formulas, multiples, timing

5. The Courtship Drinks and dinner vs. just lunch
Discussions about desires and committed actions
Visiting offices and meeting people
Exchange basic financial information
Term sheet - the “real” starting point
Formulas, multiples, timing

6. Intimacy Touch and feel
Questions about buyers financial information exchanged
Skeletons in the closet

7. Living Together Learning each others’ intricacies
Timeliness, neatness, organization
Testing each other
Opinions of family, friends, colleagues

8. Prenuptial Agreement Exchanging more detailed financial information
Jockeying for position - Name, Titles
Contracts drawn and reviewed
Due diligence
Final negotiation

9. The Wedding Attorneys, Accountants, and Consultants
Should I back out? (seller’s remorse)
Signing the marriage license
Exchanging vows - “Forever One”

10. THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL VIEW OF THE DOCUMENT.