A clearer path from
first look to close.

Six video-led lessons on assessing fit, testing the evidence, shaping a proposal, and preparing to close an acquisition.

Start Module 1 Explore the modules
Hand-drawn illustration of an acquisition team reviewing thesis fit
Begin with Module 01Pre-LOI & thesis fit
4:53
6 video lessons39 min total viewing time, approximatelyWritten lessons & practical examples
The curriculum

One connected acquisition journey.

Start at the beginning, or open the module relevant to the current stage. Each film is paired with a detailed written lesson.

First, establish fit and test the evidence.

Modules 01 – 03
Hand-drawn illustration for Pre-LOI and thesis fit
Module 014:53

Pre-LOI & thesis fit

Translating an investment thesis into clear criteria for an initial acquisition screen.

Key takeaways

  • Investment criteria translated into a repeatable fit screen.
  • Facts, estimates and evidence gaps kept distinct.
  • Pursue, park or pass decisions, and the role of an optional IOI.

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Hand-drawn illustration for Validation and first contact
Module 024:54

Validation & first contact

Preparing focused questions for a useful first acquisition conversation.

Key takeaways

  • Seller-process requirements and the timing of an IOI.
  • Source-backed facts, open questions and a focused conversation brief.
  • Owner priorities, transition timing and a clear next step.

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Hand-drawn illustration for From interest to evidence
Module 036:12

From interest to evidence

Testing financial and operating evidence before developing a more informed proposal.

Key takeaways

  • Three years of financial statements, tax returns and current trading records.
  • Supported earnings adjustments, customer concentration and owner dependence.
  • Premises permissions, unresolved questions and the decision to advance, pause or pass.

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Then, turn findings into terms and closing readiness.

Modules 04 – 06
Hand-drawn illustration for Post-LOI diligence
Module 047:03

Post-LOI diligence

Investigating the business and turning diligence evidence into documented findings.

Key takeaways

  • Quality of earnings: the review, its output and its limits.
  • Claims, supporting evidence, supported adjustments and unresolved questions.
  • Distinct financial, commercial, operational and legal review workstreams.

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Hand-drawn illustration for Pricing and structuring the acquisition
Module 058:04

Pricing and structuring the acquisition

Connecting supported findings to a reasoned price position and proposed terms.

Key takeaways

  • Earnings-review findings as inputs to a supported proposal, not an automatic price change.
  • The distinction between value, price, funding, payment timing and ownership.
  • The path from evidence through negotiation to agreed terms.

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Hand-drawn illustration for Purchase agreement and close
Module 067:30

Purchase agreement & close

Turning negotiated decisions into documents, closing evidence and day-one continuity.

Key takeaways

  • The connection between findings, agreed decisions and purchase documents.
  • Closing economics, signing and completion as distinct concepts.
  • Pre-closing requirements and post-closing responsibilities in one practical worksheet.

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From learning to application

Keep the evidence connected to the decision.

The final module brings the sequence together in a printable worksheet: findings, decisions, documents, closing requirements, and the day-one handover.

Closing & handover worksheet

  • Pre-closing requirements and supporting evidence.
  • Post-closing responsibilities, owners, and due points.
  • A clear link from each finding to the agreed decision.
Download the worksheet

Educational material, not transaction-specific legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. Fictional examples illustrate the concepts. Transaction decisions require appropriate professional review.

Put it to work

Run the playbook with support

Buyers use our diligence tooling and readiness materials to compress timelines. Owners can use the same framework in reverse to become the target buyers want to acquire.

Share your acquisition criteria →Open the diligence checklist →