This is a non-binding document outlining your proposed price, deal structure (cash vs. debt), and the timeline for due diligence. 4. Due Diligence
To see detailed financial data, you must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) .
The following steps outline the typical acquisition path from initial planning to closing the deal. 1. Preparation and Self-Assessment how do i buy a small business
Small businesses are commonly valued at 2x to 4x their Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA.
Analyze the Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) , which is the seller's sales pitch. Look for "red flags" like owner dependency (the business can't run without the current owner) or vague financials. 3. Valuation and the Letter of Intent (LOI) This is a non-binding document outlining your proposed
Choose an industry that aligns with your professional background and passions.
If the business looks promising, you must determine its worth. Due Diligence To see detailed financial data, you
Use online marketplaces like BizBuySell or DealStream , or work with brokers who have access to unlisted deals.