Our Process | MAX Premium Business Sales

At MAX, we've developed a comprehensive process that guides business owners through every stage of selling their business. Our structured approach ensures clarity, minimizes uncertainty, and is designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your business sale.

Discovery & Valuation

We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your business, analyzing financial performance, operational structure, market position, and growth potential. This phase includes:

In-depth business analysis and market-based valuation
Identification of key value drivers and potential challenges
Development of a tailored sale strategy and timeline
Establishment of realistic price expectations

This phase typically takes 2-3 weeks and concludes with a detailed valuation report and strategic sale plan.

Preparation & Marketing

Once the strategy is approved, we prepare professional marketing materials and identify potential buyers. This phase includes:

Development of a comprehensive Information Memorandum
Creation of a blind profile for initial buyer approaches
Targeted research to identify strategic and financial buyers
Confidential approach to qualified potential buyers
Management of NDAs and initial buyer screening

This phase typically takes 4-6 weeks and is conducted with strict confidentiality protocols to protect your business.

Negotiation & Due Diligence

As interested buyers emerge, we manage negotiations and the due diligence process to protect your interests. This phase includes:

Facilitation of management meetings with qualified buyers
Negotiation of offers and deal structures
Coordination of the due diligence process
Management of data room and information requests
Resolution of issues that arise during due diligence

This phase typically takes 8-12 weeks and is the most intensive part of the process, requiring careful management to maintain deal momentum.

Closing & Transition

Once due diligence is complete, we coordinate the closing process and help plan for a smooth transition. This phase includes:

Coordination with legal teams on final documentation
Management of closing conditions and regulatory approvals
Development of transition plans for staff and clients
Coordination of closing logistics and funds transfer
Post-closing support during the transition period

This final phase typically takes 4-6 weeks and ensures a clean transaction with minimal disruption to business operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire sale process typically take?

For businesses valued at $5M and above, the process typically takes 8-12 months from initial engagement to closing. Complex businesses or challenging market conditions may extend this timeline.

How is confidentiality maintained during the sale process?

We implement strict confidentiality protocols, including blind profiles, signed NDAs before information disclosure, controlled information release, and careful management of site visits and management meetings.

When should I tell my employees about the sale?

This is a delicate decision that varies by business. Generally, we recommend limiting knowledge to key executives until later stages of the process. We'll help develop a communication strategy that minimizes disruption.

What makes MAX's process different from other business brokers?

Our process is specifically designed for premium businesses and includes more comprehensive buyer research, higher quality marketing materials, and a team-based approach with specialists in valuation, legal considerations, and transaction management.

How involved will I need to be during the sale process?

While we manage the process to minimize disruption to your business operations, your involvement is critical at key decision points and during management meetings with potential buyers. We'll work around your schedule and prepare you thoroughly for each step.

Our Sale Process