Buy your next business – How to structure a Letter of Intent, Review a Prospective Business Listing, and more!
Patrick O’Connell, CPA Founder & Managing Director – M&A Transaction Services O’Connell Advisory Group2024-10-19T05:07:16-08:00Looking for help Buying a Business?
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An LOI (Letter of Intent) is a formal document that outlines the preliminary terms and conditions of a prospective business transaction, such as a merger, acquisition, or purchase. The LOI is typically non-binding and serves as a starting point for negotiations. It covers key aspects like the purchase price, payment terms, due diligence process, and timelines, giving both parties a framework to work from before entering into a more detailed and binding agreement.
In small business deals, the LOI is critical because it helps clarify intentions and can prevent misunderstandings later in the deal process.
In the episode I discuss:
- Importance of the Letter of Intent (LOI): Patrick emphasizes how a well-structured LOI can significantly impact the success of a deal, setting clear expectations and outlining key terms before deeper negotiations begin.
- Effective strategies for structuring deals, including how buyers can position themselves for success in competitive markets.
- Due Diligence is Key: He advises business buyers to focus on thorough due diligence, ensuring they fully understand the financial, operational, and market aspects of the target company to avoid surprises later in the transaction.
- Market Insights: The interview also touches on the latest trends in the M&A landscape, with Patrick sharing his experience in handling over 60 deals in the Southeast, a region known for its dynamic and competitive market.
- Common Deal Pitfalls: Mistakes that both buyers and sellers make, from underestimating post-merger integration challenges to overlooking red flags during due diligence.
Check out the full episode using the link above or on Let’s Buy a Business website