Twelve questions for any buyer
- Who actually decides whether this deal happens?The person you’re talking to. Any lender or co-investor the deal needs is named early, in writing.
- How is the purchase funded, and what part is conditional?In the written offer: our equity, outside equity, bank debt, sometimes a note you carry — each marked committed or conditional.
- What could change the price after the LOI?Named in advance: numbers that don’t tie to the bank, a customer the business can’t lose leaving, something material we weren’t told. Ordinary diligence can’t.
- When do you plan to sell it again?We don’t. No fund, no resale date.
- What happens to the team?We buy the business because it works; the people are most of why. No layoff plan, and we work out with you when and how they’re told.
- What happens to the name?If it carries customer trust, it stays.
- What changes on Monday?An owner who reads the numbers, a bank that returns calls, capital for the truck or the hire. The business itself doesn’t.
- Will you contact my customers, employees or competitors?Not without your permission.
- How long will this take, and when will I know?The timeline is set before you commit, and you hear directly if anything moves it.
- Will I be asked for exclusivity, and when?Only after you have a written offer you like, and only for the time it takes to close.
- What’s my role after, and who decides it?You do: stay, ease out, or leave. Written down before close.
- Who can I talk to who’s dealt with you?We’ll put you in touch with people who’ve dealt with us.
Bellevue, Washington · fellwater.comDownload PDF