Selling your business is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Without a clear process, you risk lowball offers, unnecessary exposure—and deals that fall apart before closing.
Successful owners don’t leave outcomes to luck. They follow a structured—but flexible—process that attracts qualified buyers, protects sensitive information, and keeps momentum strong from start to finish.
At LevelStar, we’ve built our process to support you through every step. While no two sales are the same, most successful exits follow four key phases:
Step 1 · Valuation & Readiness Review
| What We Do | Owner Homework |
|---|---|
| Understand your goals, deal preferences, and concerns | Complete a brief operations questionnaire |
| Normalize financials | Provide 3 years of P&Ls and tax returns |
| Compare performance to recent market activity and buyer expectations | |
| Flag risk areas—customer concentration, outdated books, or owner dependency | |
| Estimate net proceeds |
Deliverable: A custom valuation report with practical insights to help you understand your current market position and options.
Step 2 · Packaging & Confidential Marketing
| What We Do | Owner Homework |
|---|---|
| Create a CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum) | Approve CIM content and visuals |
| Draft a blind teaser—no names or identifiers | Approve teaser content and ad copy |
| Build a secure data room with staged document access | Upload leases, contracts, and key business documents |
| Post targeted ads to online buyer platforms and databases |
Outcome: A professional, market-ready package—typically 20–30 pages depending on your business—that highlights strengths while keeping your identity protected.
Step 3 · Buyer Screening & Management Meetings
| What We Do | Owner Homework |
|---|---|
| Target strategic buyers, private equity groups, and individuals | |
| Require NDA and completed buyer questionnaire | |
| Vet buyers with initial calls before involving the seller | Provide timely responses and supporting documentation |
| Facilitate meetings (virtual or in-person) to assess alignment and interest | Attend virtual or in-person meetings (prep provided) |
| Keep you updated on buyer activity and next steps |
Note: Whether or not a buyer proceeds is always the seller’s decision. The NDA and questionnaire help us screen for fit, seriousness, and alignment before introducing them to you.
Goal: Multiple qualified Letters of Intent (LOIs) to create real negotiating leverage.
Step 4 · Negotiation, Diligence & Closing
| Phase | Highlight | Owner Role |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiate LOI | Price, structure, seller financing, and other key terms | Select the best offer |
| Due Diligence | Quality of earnings review, legal diligence, operational review | Provide data and support when needed |
| Financing | SBA or bank loans, buyer equity, and possible owner carry | Review terms |
| Transition & Closing | Final agreements, wire transfer, transition planning | Support post-sale handoff and training |
We quarterback the deal team—attorneys, CPAs, lenders, and advisors—to protect your value and momentum all the way through closing.
What a Defined Process Does for Your Value
- Fewer surprises → less price erosion during diligence
- More qualified buyers → stronger offers and better terms
- Clear steps → less stress and better focus on your business
Ready to Map Your Exit?
LevelStar helps business owners navigate the sale process from beginning to end—confidentially, professionally, and with a plan:
- Market-based valuation
Gain insight into your current market position based on comparable transactions and buyer expectations. - Professionally packaged CIM
Present your business with a clean, confidential information memorandum tailored to buyer interests. - Buyer activity updates
Stay informed with consistent updates on buyer engagement, inquiries, and next steps. - End-to-end deal navigation
From valuation through closing, we manage the process so you can stay focused on your business.