What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Business?
What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Business?
You can’t sell what you can’t prove.
That’s what most founders learn — often too late — when buyer interest suddenly turns into serious due diligence.
The documents you present aren’t just formalities. They are the foundation of buyer confidence.
And if you’re missing even a few? Delays, renegotiations, or walk-aways are likely.
The Core Document Categories Buyers Expect
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to have ready — and why each matters:
1. Financial Documentation
Buyers want a full financial picture they can trust.
Last 3 years of statutory accounts
Monthly management accounts (last 12–24 months)
Cash flow forecasts and financial projections
Breakdown of key cost centres and margins
Tax returns and VAT filings
2. Legal and Compliance
They’re checking risk exposure — and deal protection.
Company incorporation documents
Shareholder agreements
Contracts with customers, suppliers, and partners
Employment contracts and handbooks
Data protection, GDPR, and compliance policies
IP ownership and registrations
3. Operational Systems and Processes
Buyers want to know the business runs on systems, not just people.
Organisational chart and role descriptions
SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
Internal performance dashboards
Software stack and license summaries
4. Commercial Information
They’re evaluating your value proposition and growth visibility.
Marketing strategy and customer acquisition data
Key customer list with revenue history
Sales pipeline reports
Client satisfaction or NPS scores
5. Strategic Planning Materials
Buyers want a story they can believe in and build on.
Business model overview
3–5 year strategic plan
Competitive positioning
Product roadmap (if relevant)
DIY: How to Start Organising
Even if you’re not selling yet, you can begin pulling this together now.
Step 1: Create a secure cloud folder structure
Use simple categories: Financials, Legal, Operations, Commercial, Strategic
Step 2: Identify what’s missing
Start with your financials and legal docs. These are deal breakers if incomplete.
Step 3: Assign ownership
Ask your accountant, operations lead, or external advisors to begin compiling relevant files — and tracking versions.
Step 4: Keep it updated
Buyers don’t want a snapshot from last year. Monthly updates matter — especially when deal timelines stretch.
What Most Founders Get Wrong
They wait too long.
Founders often start gathering documents after buyer interest is confirmed — but by then, it’s a race against the clock.
And every missing item weakens buyer trust.
It’s not about having everything perfect. It’s about showing buyers that your business is clear, credible, and well-run.
How Unique Direction Helps
Deal Ready Accelerator
At Unique Direction, we help you build a fully structured, exit-ready document suite — months before you ever go to market.
Our Deal Ready Accelerator includes:
A detailed documentation roadmap (aligned to what buyers ask for)
Hands-on support from our team to compile, organise, and quality-check your data
A secure internal data room that can be handed over to buyers or advisors when the time is right
Templates, trackers, and coaching to help your team own the process
This isn’t admin. It’s deal insurance.
Why It Matters
You don’t get a second chance to make a clean first impression.
When a buyer sees that your documents are organised, consistent, and complete — it builds instant confidence.
It reduces scrutiny. It speeds up decisions. It strengthens your negotiating power.
Final Thought
Preparing the right documents isn’t the last step. It’s the foundation for everything that comes after.
If you’re not ready to hand over your business on paper, you’re not ready to sell it — yet.
Want help building your exit-ready data room? Start with a discovery call.
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