How long does it take to sell a company?

Scudieri
Feb 28
3 min read

Selling a company is a strategic and complex process that requires planning, analysis, and careful execution. The time needed to complete this transaction can vary depending on the size of the company, its sector, market conditions, and the level of preparation before the sale.

At Scudieri, we accompany the entire process, from building the investment thesis to formalizing the transaction, ensuring that the sale is carried out efficiently and with maximum value captured.

On average, the full cycle of selling a company can take anywhere from 9 to 15 months, potentially extending in more complex cases. This timeline aligns with the logic of Venture Capitals, which typically operate in 4 to 5-year cycles to maximize return on investment.

Below, we detail the main stages of the process and estimated timelines for each:

Building the investment thesis (2 to 3 months) Before starting any negotiations, it is essential to develop a well-structured investment thesis. This thesis will serve as the foundation for the valuation and guide potential buyers.

✅ Defining the company's market positioning ✅ Identifying competitive differentiators ✅ Financial projections and potential growth scenarios

This stage is crucial to maximize the perceived value by investors and attract strategic buyers.

Planning and preparation (3 to 4 months) A successful sale begins well before the first contact with a buyer. Preparation involves:

📌 Internal audit and document organization 📌 Identifying areas for improvement to raise the valuation 📌 Adjustments to the shareholder, tax, and financial structure

Companies that invest time in this stage can reduce risks and speed up the closing of the transaction.

Transaction evaluation and structuring (2 to 3 months) Here, we define the best form of sale:

🔹 Full or partial sale of the company? 🔹 Payment structure: upfront, earn-outs, future participation? 🔹 Identifying the ideal buyer profile (strategic or financial)?

This strategic analysis directly impacts the final value of the company and its attractiveness to buyers.

Identifying and approaching buyers (4 to 5 months) With the investment thesis and structuring completed, we begin the search for qualified buyers. This phase may involve:

📈 Institutional investors and private equity funds 🤝 Companies in the same sector (strategic M&A) 💰 Family offices and individual investors

The goal is to find buyers aligned with the business and willing to pay the best price.

Negotiation and due diligence (2 to 3 months) After initial interest, formal negotiations and due diligence begin, where the buyer conducts a thorough analysis of the company.

🔍 Financial, accounting, and legal audits 📜 Contract, liabilities, and regulatory compliance review 📊 Validation of projections and business risks

At this stage, it’s essential to have an experienced advisor to avoid revisions in the valuation and mitigate risks that could jeopardize the transaction.

Closing the sale and transition (2 to 3 months) After the due diligence is completed and contracts are signed, there’s a transition period, which may involve:

✔️ Onboarding the new owner ✔️ Operational and governance transfer ✔️ Integration of teams and organizational culture

Proper structuring of this stage ensures business continuity and preserves the company’s legacy.

How Scudieri can help? At Scudieri, we don’t just assist with the sale but also help enhance the value of your business before the transaction. With the right strategies, it’s possible to double your company’s market value, making it more attractive to investors.

If you're considering selling your company, don’t leave it until the last minute to prepare your business. Get in touch with us and learn how to structure your sale strategically and maximize your valuation.

📩 Contact us!