Practical Guide for Sellers #2
Questions to Ask a Buyer to Protect Your People (and Your Second Check)
A buyer’s intentions sound good on the surface, but what happens after closing affects your team, your legacy, and your second check. These questions help you vet their real plan and protect what matters.
Questions Regarding People & Culture
- What are your plans for retaining my employees?
- Will compensation, benefits, or job roles change?
- Have you retained teams in prior acquisitions? What worked and what didn’t?
- Will my key staff have a future in your organization?
Questions Regarding Communication & Integration
- How will you communicate the transition to my team?
- Will you involve my management team in the planning process?
- Are you planning any major changes—rebranding, relocation, restructuring?
Questions Regarding Track Record & Intentions
- How many businesses like mine have you acquired before?
- What happened to those teams?
- Can I speak to a seller whose team stayed with you post-acquisition?
Questions Regarding Deal Mechanics
- Is any part of my earnout tied to staff retention or performance?
- Are you budgeting for bonuses or incentives to retain my key people?