Trustmark Mergers + Acquisitions
Process

Our process, start to finish.

Our Process

A Results-Oriented Process

We guide you through every step with transparency, accountability, industry expertise, and a singular focus on completing the transaction, all with the highest degree of confidentiality.

Typical total 8 – 12 months from engagement to wire
01
Valuation & Preparation
4 – 6 weeks

Comprehensive business and financial analysis, review competitive advantages, and similar business sales nationwide to determine the highest price for your business.

02
Marketing & Buyer Identification
12 – 20 weeks

Confidential marketing through our extensive networks, navigating potential buyers through our 12-step qualification processes and expected transaction timelines.

03
Negotiation & Due Diligence
12 – 16 weeks

Expert negotiation to secure optimal terms, then managing the business under contract: due diligence requests, buyer financing, lease and landlord consents, and protecting your interests throughout.

04
Successful Close
6 – 10 weeks

Final loan approval, closing documents, and coordination with attorneys, CPAs, lenders, and landlords, followed by a documented transition to the new owner.

/ The 12-Step Buyer Screen

Roughly 90% of inquiries are filtered out, ensuring the most qualified 10% reach the negotiating table.

Stage 01 Steps 1 – 4

Qualify

Confirm who is reaching out and if they have the means to transact.

  • 01NDA executed
  • 02Stated acquisition intent, motivations and timeline
  • 03Proof of liquid capital
  • 04Industry fit assessment
Stage 02 Steps 5 – 8

Educate

Educate the buyer on financing, transaction timelines, and deal flow.

  • 05Confidential Business Review presentation
  • 06Lender pre-qualification
  • 07Transaction timeline education
  • 08Pre-recorded seller / facilities video
Stage 03 Steps 9 – 12

Transact

Final documents before a buyer reaches the seller.

  • 09Buyer disclosure forms
  • 10Buyer review of financials in person
  • 11Review expectations and presentation for buyer-seller meeting
  • 12Buyer-seller meeting
/ Methodology

The Seller Protection Framework

Quality over quantity. We protect your time, confidentiality, and legacy through a rigorous buyer qualification process that eliminates 90% of unqualified prospects before they ever contact you.

1

Strategic Vetting
& Filtration

The Benefit

We eliminate the unqualified buyers before they ever see your data.

The Action

Every prospect undergoes a mandatory multi-point screening, including NDAs, professional background interviews, and initial capability assessments.

The Outcome

You only deal with individuals who are financially and mentally ready to buy a business.

2

Financial & Operational
Readiness

The Benefit

We stop "deal killers" early by verifying funding before the first meeting. We also educate buyers on expected deal flow.

The Action

We require comprehensive buyer financial disclosures and lender pre-qualification as a prerequisite to see information about your company.

The Outcome

Meetings are productive and goal oriented, ensuring the buyer is focused on the sale transaction.

3

Controlled
Engagement

The Benefit

Your time is protected; we ensure buyers are respectful of your time and accomplishments.

The Action

We utilize video briefings and structured meeting protocols to eliminate repetitive questions and unnecessary operational discussions.

The Outcome

A smooth transition to a Letter of Intent (LOI) or IOI, with a buyer who understands the competitive nature of a serious offer.

Division of Labor

You run the business.
We run the sale.

You
  • Keep the business performing through close
  • Return requested documents within 48 hours
  • Sign the LOI and agreement when terms align
  • Work with the buyer post close for a successful transition
Trustmark
  • Financial analysis, recasting, and financing pre-approvals
  • Confidential marketing and direct buyer outreach
  • 12-step buyer screening and a secure data room
  • Offer analysis, negotiation, and diligence management
  • Closing coordination with lenders, attorneys, and CPAs
See the full process →
Begin

A confidential first call.