For owners buying a shop, selling one or handing it down
Buying or selling a business
From the letter of intent to the keys: due diligence, the purchase agreement and the closing checklist.
- Example from $500
- Flat fee in writing
- Reply in 1 business day
Buy or sell matter
Example- Stage
- Due diligence
- Next
- Lease assignment from landlord
- Attorney
- Ken Moriyama
- Fee
- Flat, in writing
How we handle it
Buying or selling a small business is usually the biggest deal of an owner's life, and most of the risk is decided in the first two weeks, often in a letter of intent signed before anyone calls a lawyer.
We work alongside your broker, CPA and lender. We review the letter of intent, run a due diligence checklist built for small deals, draft or review the purchase agreement and keep a closing checklist so nothing lands on the last day.
Call us when
- You signed, or are about to sign, a letter of intent
- You're selling to an employee or a family member
- The buyer wants you to finance part of the price
- Your broker sent over a purchase agreement
- You're buying an existing franchise location
What's included, and what it costs
Always included
- Letter of intent review before you sign
- A due diligence checklist and review of what comes back
- Purchase agreement drafted or reviewed and negotiated
- Seller financing note and security documents if needed
- Lease and key contract assignments
- A closing checklist and a post-closing to-do list
Example fees
Examples, not quotes- Letter of intent review Before you sign anything $500 to $1,000
- Deals under $500,000 Asset purchase, one round of negotiation $5,000 to $9,500
- Deals $500,000 to $2 million Including lender and landlord requirements $9,500 to $18,000
- Larger or complex deals Earn-outs, stock purchases, multiple sellers $18,000 to $30,000
Example flat fees by deal size. They assume a standard asset purchase. Lender requirements, landlord delays and earn-outs can add work, and we flag that the moment we see it, before it costs you anything.
Get your fee in writingHow it runs
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1
Free call before the LOI
The best time to call is before you sign the letter of intent.
Day 1
-
2
Due diligence
Contracts, leases, licences, employees and debts, checked against a list.
2 to 6 weeks
-
3
Purchase agreement
Drafted or reviewed, negotiated and explained clause by clause.
1 to 3 weeks
-
4
Closing
Signatures, funds, assignments and the keys. Then a post-closing list.
Closing day
Two things owners ask us about
Read the guides-
The letter of intent sets the tone
Price, deal structure, exclusivity and timing are often agreed in the letter of intent. Even when it says it isn't binding, those terms are hard to change later.
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Check the lease early
Many small business deals depend on the landlord agreeing to transfer the lease. Ask early, because landlords set their own pace.
Not legal advice. These tips are general information for small business owners. Facts matter, so talk to a lawyer about your situation before acting on them.
Buy or sell questions
Still wondering? See every FAQ or call (208) 555-0164.
Do I need a lawyer if I have a business broker?
Usually, yes. A broker brings buyer and seller together and is often paid on the sale. A lawyer protects your side of the agreement. Good brokers like working with a lawyer who keeps the deal moving.
Asset purchase or stock purchase?
Most small business sales are asset purchases: the buyer picks the assets and leaves most old debts behind. Stock or membership purchases keep the company intact. Taxes play a big part, so we decide with your CPA.
How long does a small business sale take?
Often 60 to 120 days from letter of intent to closing. Lenders, landlords and licences set most of the pace. We give you a timeline at the start and update it as things move.
Other practice areas
Ready when you are.
- Free 30-minute call
- Flat fee in writing
- Work starts on your timeline