Learn · Selling

Selling a business, step by step

Ten steps between first thinking about it and handing over the keys. Open any step to see what happens there and what to read first. Nobody needs to know you are reading this.

Phase 1 of 4

Decide

Take the time you need here. Once you go to market, most sales take seven to twelve months to close, and preparation makes it faster.

You don't have to work this out alone. The attorney who wrote your lease or your will is not the right fit here. You want an M&A attorney, sometimes called a business transaction attorney, who closes business sales for a living. Add an accountant who knows how these sales are taxed, and a valuation professional who can give you an independent view of what the business is worth. If you decide to use a broker, they join that team too.
What to read
1. 1.1Who you need on your team, and whyAudio
2. 1.2Finding an accountant and M&A attorney who've done this beforeAudio
3. 1.3When to get a professional valuationAudio
Done here? Next: Step 2. Decide how to sell →

Phase 2 of 4

Get ready

Phase 3 of 4

Find the right buyer

Phase 4 of 4

Close

Onward helps with two of the things sellers used to need a brokerage for: finding qualified buyers, and putting together a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) you can send them. Your M&A attorney is still your own.

When you’re ready

Everything here is free and stays private. When you want a number, estimate your range. Onward itself is in a private preview: ask for early access and we'll be in touch.