The 8 questions that a potential acquirer will ask you when looking at your business

Jun 13, 2023

When selling your business, it is important to be prepared for the questions that potential acquirers will ask you. This will help you to present your business in the best possible light and increase your chances of a successful sale. In this post, we will look at the 8 questions that a potential acquirer will ask you when looking at your business.

1. What is your business?

The first question that a potential acquirer will ask you is what your business is. This may seem like an obvious question, but it is important to be able to clearly and concisely explain what your business does and what sets it apart from competitors.

business competition

2. What is your financial performance?

A potential acquirer will want to know about the financial performance of your business. This will include revenue, profit margins, and any debt or liabilities. It is important to have accurate financial records and be able to explain any fluctuations or trends.

financial performance

3. What is your customer base?

A potential acquirer will want to know about your customer base. This will include information about the demographics of your customers, how they found your business, and how frequently they make purchases. It is important to have a clear understanding of your customer base and be able to explain how you have built and maintained relationships with them.

customer base

4. What is your competitive landscape?

A potential acquirer will want to know about your competitive landscape. This will include information about your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you differentiate yourself from them. It is important to be able to clearly articulate your unique value proposition and how you stand out in the market.

competitive landscape

5. What is your growth potential?

A potential acquirer will want to know about your growth potential. This will include information about any new products or services that you are planning to launch, any new markets that you are planning to enter, and any potential partnerships or collaborations that you are exploring. It is important to be able to demonstrate that your business has room for growth and that you have a clear plan for achieving that growth.

growth potential

6. What is your management team?

A potential acquirer will want to know about your management team. This will include information about their experience, qualifications, and track record. It is important to have a strong and capable management team in place that can continue to lead the business after the sale.

management team

7. What is your legal and regulatory compliance?

A potential acquirer will want to know about your legal and regulatory compliance. This will include information about any licenses or permits that you hold, any lawsuits or legal disputes that you are involved in, and any regulatory requirements that you must comply with. It is important to have all of your legal and regulatory documentation in order and be able to demonstrate that you are operating in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

legal compliance

8. What is your asking price?

Finally, a potential acquirer will want to know about your asking price. This will include information about how you arrived at your valuation, any factors that may impact the price, and any negotiation room that you are willing to offer. It is important to have a clear understanding of the value of your business and be able to justify your asking price.

asking price