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Sale-preparation checklist
The concrete preparation that makes a business sale-ready before it is for sale, while also improving operating discipline today.
Before you start
Readiness is built, not bought. Sequence this so each area compounds. Clean books make forecasting credible; documented operations reduce key-person risk; both make the data room almost assemble itself.
01Financial hygiene
Close the books monthly on a consistent basis and remove personal expenses.
Document add-backs and maintain a defensible EBITDA bridge.
Maintain a credible 12-24 month plan that is tied to the pipeline.
02Operations & documentation
Run the business on documented processes instead of relying on memory.
Make margin, utilization, and pipeline visible in a timely operating view.
Reduce single points of failure across the supply chain.
03Growth & revenue quality
Build a qualified pipeline beyond referrals and document the win rates.
Track recurring revenue share and maintain a stable or improving retention trend.
Reduce dependence on any customer whose loss would materially damage the business.
04Team & continuity
Build enough leadership depth that decisions do not all route through the owner.
Give key staff a clear reason to stay through a transition.
Write a plan for handing off relationships, responsibilities, and knowledge.
05Legal & readiness
Keep customer and supplier agreements current and assignable.
Keep the cap table, IP ownership records, and compliance materials tidy.
Organize the materials a buyer will ask for before the process begins.
This checklist is general educational guidance, not legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. Engage qualified professionals for your specific transaction. SilverShore Partners is not a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser.