Back to Build to Leave™
Pillar 3 of 3

Protection: Ready for Due Diligence

Governance, legal structure, and transferability. The final touch for a saleable business.

Governance & Rights

Clear structures build trust – with successors, buyers, and employees.

Shareholder Structure

Clear ownership and decision-making paths.

  • Articles of association current
  • Voting rights documented
Management

Clear competencies and representation rules.

  • Bylaws in place
  • Power of attorney regulated
Compliance

Adherence to all relevant regulations.

  • Data protection (GDPR)
  • Industry-specific regulations
Risk Management

Identified and documented risks.

  • Risk register maintained
  • Insurance up-to-date

Contract Structures

All important contracts must be transferable and current.

1

Customer Contracts

Long-term customer relationships contractually secured.

Change-of-control clauses
Terms reviewed
2

Supplier Contracts

Important supplier relationships secured.

Transferability
Notice periods
3

Employment Contracts

Key employees retained and motivated.

Retention clauses
Non-compete agreements
4

IP & Licenses

Intellectual property protected and documented.

Trademark rights
Software licenses

Transferability

A business is only worth as much as it can function without you.

1

Preparation

Documentation of all critical processes and knowledge holders.

2

Transition Phase

Gradual handover with defined timeline.

3

Complete Handover

The business runs without the former owner.

Handover Checklist

All processes documented
Key employees identified
Knowledge transfer planned
Customer relationships transferable
IT access documented
Financial data prepared

Due Diligence Readiness

Buyers check everything. Be prepared.

DD-Ready means:
  • All contracts at hand
  • Finances fully documented
  • Legal risks identified
  • Succession plan clarified
Typical Deal-Breakers:
  • Owner-dependency without plan
  • Missing documentation
  • Unclear contract situations
  • Hidden risks
All 3 Pillars Completed

Ready for the next step?

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