Business Sale Readiness Checklist
How prepared is your business for a successful sale? Tick each statement you can confidently support with evidence.
Financial clarity
☐ Your financial statements and management accounts are accurate and up to date.
☐ You can explain your underlying profitability, including owner expenses and one-off adjustments.
☐ Your stock, debtors, creditors and cash flow are well managed.
Transparency and risk
☐ There are no hidden issues. You have identified matters a buyer should know about.
☐ You understand the key risks in your business and have taken practical steps to reduce them.
☐ Key contracts, leases, licences and business records are current, organised and available for review.
People and operations
☐ Roles and responsibilities are clear, and key staff are capable of supporting the business through a change of ownership.
☐ The business can operate effectively without relying heavily on you.
☐ Important processes, systems and customer relationships are documented and can be handed over.
Buyer appeal
☐ You understand your likely buyer profile and why your business would appeal to them.
☐ You can clearly explain the business’s strengths, competitive advantages and realistic growth opportunities.
☐ You have evidence to support the claims you will make to buyers.
Your sale plan
☐ You have a realistic understanding of the business’s market value and likely sale proceeds.
☐ You are clear on your preferred timing, what is included in the sale and the transition support you can provide.
☐ You are personally ready to sell and have considered what comes next.
Have questions about preparing your business for sale?
Ascend Partners is happy to discuss where you’re at and what your next steps could look like.
If this checklist has raised questions about your business’s readiness or value, book a free, confidential call with Greg Johnson to discuss your options and where to focus next. greg@ascendpartners.com.au / 0412 755 055