Want to know more about the sales process?
Get in touchAbout Diligence
We are Diligence. We guide you through the sale or merger of your company, the purchase of a business, or finding an investor.
As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand that buying or selling a company, or searching for an investor or partner, are business decisions that can evoke significant emotions. That is why we ensure that throughout such a process, you not only receive personal explanation and guidance from us, but are also shielded as much as possible from the pressures of the process. We handle the negotiations with the other party. Naturally, everything takes place in close consultation with you as the entrepreneur, and you always have the final say. By shielding you in this way, your relationship with the other party remains optimal, allowing you to stay focused on your business operations.
Diligence is an independent organization that facilitates business acquisition processes within the SME sector, for both buying and selling entrepreneurs (though never for both simultaneously). In the more than 20 years we have been doing this, we have closed over 600 deals.
About our methodology
Because we are entrepreneurs ourselves, we know what it means to run a business and what it entails to sell your company. We speak the entrepreneur's language, which provides added value during negotiations with other business owners. If you would like to know more about how we work, how long a purchase or sale process takes, and which terms we apply, please get in touch.
The
team
The Diligence specialist manages the entire sales process. We bring parties together ("matchmaking") and guide the entire process up to and including the closing at the notary ("dealmaking"). Diligence specialists can also be called upon for other matters related to buying or selling a business.
Our teamFrequently asked questions
To help you get started quickly, we have compiled the most important questions and answers for you.
An M advisor creates structure, protects your interests, and conducts negotiations. Additionally, they prevent pitfalls in valuation, due diligence, and contracting. By engaging multiple buyers simultaneously, competition is created that often directly influences the final price.
A sales process consists of valuation, documentation, anonymous buyer outreach, meetings, bidding, exclusivity, due diligence, and contracting. Each step must be tightly managed to maintain momentum and strengthen your negotiating position.
The best time to sell is when your company demonstrates stable profitability and has growth potential. Buyers pay higher multiples when prospects are predictable, contracts are well-secured, and your role as owner is less critical. The market cycle also plays a role: in sectors with high M activity, demand increases, and with it, the price.
A sale takes an average of 9–12 months. The speed is determined by the sector, quality of administration, complexity of the structure, willingness to negotiate, and the speed at which buyers obtain and assess information.
Exclusivity means that you temporarily negotiate with only one buyer. This provides buyers with the certainty needed to incur due diligence costs, but requires tight process management.
During due diligence, the buyer examines all financial, legal, tax, and commercial aspects of your company. The objective is to identify risks. A well-organized process prevents delays and unnecessary concessions.
You are ready for sale when your figures are up to date, contracts are clear, dependencies are limited, processes are documented, and risks are transparent. A seller who is well-prepared sells faster and on better terms.