The Meridian Process
From First Conversation to Closing.
Every transaction is different. The discipline behind a successful process should not be.
- 01
Understand
- 02
Strengthen
- 03
Position
- 04
Approach
- 05
Negotiate
- 06
Close
Stage 01
Understand
Before deciding how to approach the market, understand the business, owner objectives, financial picture, timing, priorities, risks, and opportunities.
We begin with the company's financial picture, operations, ownership goals, timing, risks and what a successful outcome would mean to you. The transaction starts with understanding rather than assumptions.
- Owner objectives & timing
- Financial and operational review
- Preliminary valuation perspective
- Key risks a buyer may raise
Stage 02
Strengthen
Identify issues that could create buyer concerns, diligence complications, or negotiating pressure. Where appropriate, address them before going to market.
We identify issues that could complicate due diligence or reduce negotiating leverage — and, where it makes sense, address them before a buyer ever sees the company.
- Quality of earnings preparation
- Owner dependence
- Customer concentration
- Documentation & contracts
Stage 03
Position
Develop the transaction strategy and prepare the company to be presented professionally to prospective buyers.
We develop the transaction strategy, business narrative, confidential information memorandum and target buyer profile, so qualified acquirers understand what makes the opportunity compelling.
- Transaction strategy
- Confidential information memorandum
- Buyer universe
- Positioning narrative
Stage 04
Approach
Identify and confidentially approach logical qualified buyers while controlling the release of sensitive information.
Buyers are approached through measured disclosure under non-disclosure agreements — strategic acquirers, private equity, family offices and other financial buyers — with careful qualification throughout.
- Confidential marketing
- NDAs & measured disclosure
- Buyer qualification
- Management meetings
Stage 05
Negotiate
Evaluate interest and offers based on price, structure, contingencies, financing, timing, transition requirements, and certainty.
We create competitive tension where possible and compare indications of interest and letters of intent on cash at closing, structure, earnouts, seller notes, working capital, contingencies and certainty of closing.
- Indications of interest
- Letters of intent
- Deal structure
- Competitive tension
Stage 06
Close
Navigate diligence, documentation, final negotiations, coordination with professional advisors, transition considerations, and closing.
Working alongside your attorneys and accountants, we help manage financial, operational and legal diligence, the purchase agreement, working capital, transition planning and the path to closing.
- Due diligence management
- Purchase agreement
- Working capital
- Transition planning
Sequence
Why the Order Matters
It can be tempting to start with buyers. But approaching the market before the business is understood, strengthened and positioned can create avoidable problems.
Issues that surface for the first time in due diligence tend to become negotiating points. Unclear financials invite discounted offers or tougher structure. Inconsistent messaging can unsettle serious buyers — and a process that stalls is difficult to restart with the same momentum.
Each stage prepares the next. The work done before the first buyer conversation often shapes the last.
Working Together
A process you can follow at every step.
Owners are kept informed throughout — what is happening, what comes next, and what decisions are theirs to make.
Meridian coordinates with your attorneys, accountants and other advisors so each discipline contributes at the right moment.
Discuss Your Next Step.
Wherever you are in the journey, a confidential conversation is a sensible place to begin.