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What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Business?

July 03, 20253 min read

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.


Recommendations:

  1. Should I Use a Business Broker to Sell My Business?

  1. How Can I Increase the Value of My Company Before Selling?

  2. When Is the Right Time to Sell My Company?

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