Selling a business isn’t like selling a car. Deals oftentake months, sometimes over a year, depending on complexity. Having realistic expectations helps reduce frustration.
## Average Timeline
Most sales take **6–12 months**. Simpler businesses may sell faster; larger or regulated industries take longer.
## Key Milestones
1. **Valuation (2–4 weeks):** Determine business worth using financials and comparables.
2. **Packaging & Marketing (4–8 weeks):** Prepare financials, prospectus, and market to buyers.
3. **Buyer Outreach & Negotiations (3–6 months):** Meet buyers, negotiate offers, secure LOIs.
4. **Due Diligence (4–8 weeks):** Buyer reviews all financial, legal, and operational details.
5. **Closing (2–4 weeks):** Finalize agreements, financing, and transition.
### Factors That Delay Sales
- Poor documentation.
- Financing challenges.
- Owner dependency.
- Market downturns.
### Example
PAC Consulting helped a construction firm sell in 8 months by preparing documents early and introducing pre-qualified buyers.
PAC Consulting guides owners nationwide through each stage, streamlining timelines and ensuring smoother sales.