1. A Price Range and a Decision
It begins with a call about value. The broker looks at your recent returns and your recast cash flow and gives you a realistic range. If that range works for you, you sign on with the broker. If it doesn't, you now know what to work on.
2. Building the Sale Package
Next the broker gathers what buyers will ask for: three years of financials, contracts, leases, your organization documents and a list of assets. From it they write the offering memorandum, the book that tells your company's story with the numbers behind it.
Having this ready early matters. Fumbling when a buyer asks for a document reads as hiding something.
3. Quiet Marketing
Your company goes to market as a blind listing. Buyers see the industry, the general area, revenue and cash flow, but not your name or address. The broker spreads it wide through listing sites, buyer lists and direct outreach, then screens who responds.
Only buyers who sign a confidentiality agreement and show they can pay get your name. Your staff, customers and competitors should not hear about it.
4. Meetings and Offers
Serious buyers meet you, often after hours or off site. Then come offers, usually as a letter of intent setting out price, how it's paid, any seller note and your role after closing. The broker helps you compare them on terms, not only the headline price.
Be careful with a buyer who tells you that you don't need a broker. That usually means they hope for a cheaper deal done directly.
5. Due Diligence
Once you sign a letter of intent, the buyer checks everything: tax returns against bank statements, customer lists, contracts, equipment, employees. If an SBA lender is involved, its underwriting and appraisal happen now too.
Keep your foot on the gas. A weak month during diligence gives the buyer a reason to renegotiate.
6. Paperwork and Closing
Attorneys draft the purchase agreement. In Georgia that includes the tax clearance a buyer will want before releasing your full price, and the steps for your unemployment account, county property return and city license.
Our tax and filings guides list each one.
At closing the money moves, keys change hands and the transition period starts. Part of the price may be held in escrow for a while, or paid later through a seller note, so read those terms as closely as the price itself.
7. The Handoff
You train the new owner, introduce key customers and suppliers, and step back on the schedule you agreed. A noncompete keeps you out of the same business nearby for a set time.
This is also when your staff hear the news, ideally from you and the new owner together. Framed as continuity, a sale often steadies people. The new owner needs them as much as you did.
Where to Begin
Start with a number. Read business valuation before you sell to see how buyers think, or selling to an SBA financed buyer if your buyer will likely borrow. Then send the form or call (404) 555-0139.