M&A-Ready: How to Prepare Your Company for Sale

The decision to sell a company is a significant step—both emotionally and strategically. However, before potential buyers or investors even come knocking, your company should be M&A-ready. What does that mean? Clear structures, transparent figures, and a compelling story.

In this article, we show you how to optimally prepare your company for a sale—and why professional financial services are crucial in the process.

1. What does “M&A-ready” mean?

Being “M&A-ready” means that your company is structurally, financially, and strategically positioned in a way that makes it attractive and auditable for buyers. This includes:

• Clean accounting and financial statements
• Transparent KPIs and controlling structures
• Clear corporate strategy and scalability
• Documented processes and responsibilities

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2. Financial transparency is paramount

Buyers want to know what they are buying—and whether the investment is worth it. An unclear or incomplete financial situation is a dealbreaker.

What you need:

• Up-to-date management reports (BWA) and annual financial statements
• Cash flow analyses and liquidity planning
• KPI dashboards (e.g., EBITDA, customer retention, revenue per customer)
• Forecasts and scenario planning

We are happy to help set up these structures professionally—even on short notice. This is exactly why we designed our “external CFO service” offering.

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3. Preparing for Due Diligence

The due diligence is the audit phase in the sales process. This is where your company is put through its paces—financially, legally, and operationally.

Typical pitfalls:

• Unclear contracts or shareholdings
• Lack of process documentation
• Incomplete financial data
• Dependence on specific individuals

Solution: Start the preparation early. An M&A process can take 18–24 months, so early preparation is a MUST.

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4. Strategic positioning: Why your company specifically?

In addition to figures, the story also counts: Why is your company future-proof? What makes it special?

• Growth potential: Scalability, new markets, innovations
• Customer structure: Diversified or dependent?
• Team & culture: Does the know-how stay in the company?

A clear strategic plan increases the company value—and the trust of potential buyers.

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5. External support: When it makes sense

Many entrepreneurs are heavily involved emotionally and operationally—and underestimate the effort required for a sales process.

External experts help with:

• Financial planning & reporting
• Valuation & negotiation strategy
• Communication with investors
• Post-M&A integration

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Conclusion: Start early, seek professional guidance

A successful company sale begins long before the actual sales process. Those who focus on transparency, structure, and strategy early on not only increase the company value—but also the chances of a smooth exit.

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Interested in M&A preparation?

We support you with CFO services, controlling, and strategic consulting—tailored, discreet, and practical.

👉 Get in touch now for a non-binding consultation