SELLING, WITH CLARITY
Clarity helps Canadian owners prepare for a business sale, approach prospective buyers and navigate the decisions along the way. Start with your goals. Build a plan around them.
Start a confidential conversationTHE BUSINESS SALE PROCESS
Begin with why you are considering a sale, when you would like to step back and what matters beyond the price. We also discuss the business, your role and the information needed to decide whether moving forward makes sense.
Organise financial records, clarify what is included and identify the questions a buyer is likely to ask. Discuss pricing and positioning with the right advisors. Agree the engagement scope, fees and marketing approach before the business goes to market.
Agree how the business will be described before it is identified, what screening is appropriate and when more detailed information can be shared. Buyer interest should be assessed for practical fit as well as the initial headline offer.
Compare price alongside payment terms, financing conditions, assets included, transition expectations and proposed timing. A letter of intent is a stage in the conversation; your legal advisor should explain its effect and any commitments it contains.
During due diligence, buyers examine the financial, legal and operational information supporting the opportunity. Keep questions organised and involve your accountant and lawyer where their expertise is needed. Findings may change the terms or whether the parties proceed.
Closing and transition should follow the agreed documents and conditions. Plan introductions, access, responsibilities and any seller support so the first stage of new ownership is considered alongside the transaction itself.
CONFIDENTIAL FROM THE START
Your first inquiry stays off the public website. Share your contact details and a brief introduction; keep financial statements, employee records and sensitive agreements for a later, controlled review.
Before any marketing begins, agree how much information is shared, with whom and at which stage. Confidentiality is a process to manage throughout the sale, not a promise that removes every disclosure risk.
Explore your local marketBEFORE GOING TO MARKET
You do not need every answer before starting a conversation. Use these questions to identify what is ready, what needs work and which adviser should help.
Our focus is businesses valued at approximately CAD 5–50 million. That describes business value, not annual revenue or an estimate of what your business will sell for.
FOR THE BUSINESS YOU’VE BUILT
Trades, service companies, restaurants and established operations. Explore the questions that matter when it is your business on the table.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
There is no dependable timetable for every business. Preparation, pricing, buyer fit, financing and due diligence all affect the process. Discuss your desired timing early, while allowing for the possibility that finding suitable terms takes longer than expected.
Fees and engagement terms need to be discussed for your specific business and the work involved. Ask what is payable up front, what is payable on a completed transaction, what expenses are additional and how any exclusivity or termination terms work. Confirm the agreement before instructing marketing.
Yes. An exploratory conversation can help identify preparation gaps and the decisions you need to make. Sending an inquiry does not list your business or commit you to an engagement.
No. Brokerage support coordinates the commercial sale process. Your accountant and legal advisor remain important for financial preparation, transaction structure, tax, contracts and closing advice specific to your circumstances.
An approach gives you an option to assess, not an obligation to sell or begin public marketing. Clarify your goals, the buyer’s identity, proposed funding and what is included. Discuss whether to investigate that proposal, prepare further or consider a broader sale process. Have your advisers review confidentiality, exclusivity and other commitments before you agree to them.
BEFORE THE NEXT CHAPTER
Practical reading for owners thinking about what comes next.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Start with a confidential conversation about selling your business. A few details are all we need to begin.
A confidential first conversation
Space to explore your options
No commitment to list your business