Most people think signing is the hard part. It is not. Most of the time goes before and after.

Weeks 1 to 4

Agree the price and the main terms in a letter of intent, and sign the confidentiality agreement.

Weeks 5 to 14

Due diligence and drafting run together. The purchase agreement is negotiated while the data room is reviewed.

Weeks 15 to 22

Approvals, closing conditions and the closing itself.