Seller Strategies for Mastering the M&A Process

This CLE webinar will discuss how to advise sellers at each stage of the M&A process to ensure a successful transaction. The panel will address initial planning to prepare a business for sale, strategies for preliminary discussions with a buyer, as well as negotiating strategies for the transaction documents, and how to manage the due diligence process. The panel will also address key post-closing considerations.

Preparing a business for sale is a complex process requiring careful seller attention to legal and business issues at every transaction stage. Sellers must ensure records are well-maintained and financials are accurately represented. Failure to properly attend to these matters will lead to various complications and delays both during the pendency of the M&A transaction and potentially thereafter. By conducting a comprehensive review of the business and addressing legal risks, a seller can enhance the business' value, ensuring a successful sale while also safeguarding their interests along the way.

For M&A transactions designed as a business owner's exit, finding the right buyer is critical, and limiting post-closing liability is imperative. When a seller is rolling over some equity to the buyer, continuing as an employee, or there is an earnout component to the transaction, the seller must take care to negotiate entity integration terms and the seller's post-closing involvement. Regardless of the post-closing business role, the seller must identify deal objectives before commencing the transaction. Once objectives are determined, the seller will have the framework needed to find a potential acquirer aligned with their goals.

Listen as our authoritative panel explores the most important seller considerations at each stage of the M&A process. The panel will highlight the legal and business aspects that demand attention throughout the process.