As a business owner, you've likely spent years building your business from the ground up.

You've invested time, money, and sweat equity into growing your company, and now you're thinking about selling. Before you start the exit planning process, there are critical diligence issues that you need to consider.

Diligence is the process of investigating a company to determine its value and risk. The buyer will want to know everything about your business before they decide to buy it.

Here are the most critical diligence issues that you need to consider:

Financial diligence

Buyers will want to see your financial statements, tax returns, and other financial records. They will want to know your revenue, expenses, profit margins, and cash flow. They will also want to see projections for future earnings.

Legal diligence

Buyers will want to know if there are any pending or potential legal issues that could impact the business. This could include lawsuits, regulatory issues, or compliance concerns.

Operational diligence

Buyers will want to understand how your business operates. They will want to know your systems, processes, and procedures. They will also want to know about your customers, suppliers, and employees.

Intellectual property diligence

If your business has intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights, buyers will want to know about it. They will want to know if it's protected and if there are any licensing or royalty agreements in place.

Environmental diligence

If your business operates in a regulated industry, such as manufacturing or energy, buyers will want to know about any environmental risks or liabilities.

Human resources diligence

Buyers will want to understand your employee base, including their compensation and benefits packages. They will also want to know about any employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, or other HR-related issues.

Market diligence

Buyers will want to understand the market in which your business operates. They will want to know about your competition, market trends, and growth opportunities.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples of the diligence issues that you need to consider. The diligence process can be complex, and it's essential to work with a qualified M&A advisor who can guide you through the process.

Before you start the exit planning process, you need to consider the critical diligence issues that could impact the value of your business. Working with a certified M&A advisor can help you identify any potential issues before they become deal breakers.