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Don't learn what you missed after closing.
280+ due-diligence items across eleven phases — from sizing up whether the business is even right for you, all the way through the first ninety days of ownership. The framework that turns first-time buyers into disciplined acquirers.
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01
280+ actionable items
Across 11 phases of the acquisition, plus two bonus reference sections.
02
Built from real listings
Every item drawn from analysis of actual small-business deals — not generic checklists.
03
A working document
Designed to print, mark up, and bring to meetings with your CPA, attorney, and lender.
04
Red flags + advisory team
Bonus references on what to watch for and which advisors to call when.
What's inside
Eleven sections plus two reference guides
Share it with your attorney and CPA so nothing falls through the cracks. Every section is built around the questions you should actually be answering at that stage of the deal.
- Strategic Fit & Preparation
- Business Financials
- Valuation Fundamentals
- Business Quality Assessment
- Financial & Tax Due Diligence
- Legal Due Diligence
- Operational Due Diligence
- Customer & Market Due Diligence
- People, Culture & HR
- Deal Structure & Negotiation
- Post-Close Integration
- Key Red Flags Reference
- Advisory Team Guide
A taste of what you'll get
Four items, four different sections
- Reconcile all financial statements against corresponding tax returns — discrepancies require explanation.
- Confirm all licenses and permits are current, in good standing, and transferable to a new owner.
- Assess whether any single customer represents a level of concentration that materially increases risk.
- Identify the five to ten people whose departure in the first year would most materially harm the business.
…plus 280+ more across all thirteen sections.