Information that should be available

 The information that you have available both for review prior to commencing the sale of your business and inspection by a potential buyer would broadly cover the following financial and operational aspects of the business:

      a) Financial, including both audited and management account information

      b) Personnel records and contracts

      c) Contracts and licences covering equipment, software and out sourced services

      d) Corporate taxation, including VAT. Returns and any correspondence

      e) Personal assets and loans between the business and the owners/directors

       f)  Legal documentation, and litigation past and present

      g) Reports and correspondence from government agencies e.g. Health and Safety

      h) Marketing materials and any on-going expenditure commitments

The documentation should be reviewed for both completeness and to ensure it is up to date.

The above is only a list of the most commonly requested information, each business and therefore its sale is unique. Often the industry sector within which your business operates will either increase the importance of one or more of the above, or would require additional information on industry specific topics.

Often when responding to initial requests for information it can be provided in an ‘edited’ form to maintain confidentiality. Greater detail would only be made available when you and a committed buyer have entered detailed negotiations.

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