You’ve spent years building your company. Then, unexpectedly, someone expresses interest in buying it.
What should you do?
Even if you aren’t actively thinking about selling your business, receiving an inquiry can prompt important questions. At PCE, we’ve worked with many owners in this situation—some who moved forward, and others who used the moment as a catalyst for planning.
Here’s what to consider before taking your next step.
1. Don’t Respond Immediately
Your first instinct might be to either jump on the opportunity—or ignore it altogether. But acting too quickly, in either direction, can limit your options.
What you can do:
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Confirm whether the inquiry is credible
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Understand who the buyer is and why they’re interested
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Avoid sharing sensitive information too soon
Taking time to evaluate the situation allows you to remain in control of the process.
2. Know the Value of Your Business
Just because someone made an offer doesn’t mean it reflects your company’s true value. Many business owners don’t have a current valuation, which makes it difficult to assess whether an offer is reasonable.
What you can do:
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Review recent transactions in your industry
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Analyze your company’s financial performance and growth potential
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Understand how different buyers might evaluate your business
As Thomas Merton said, “The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.”
Knowing what your company is worth in today’s market gives you a clear starting point—whether you decide to pursue the conversation or not.
3. Look Beyond the Price Tag
An offer may look attractive at first glance—but what’s behind the number?
What you can do:
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Review the proposed deal structure
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Evaluate how much of the payment is upfront vs. deferred
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Consider potential earnouts, seller financing, or equity
Also think about the post-sale impact: Will you be expected to remain with the business? For how long? What will your role look like?
The structure of a deal is just as important as the price—and often more complex.
4. Understand Your Options
One offer doesn’t mean it’s the only—or best—option available. In many cases, interest from one buyer signals that others may be interested as well.
What you can do:
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Explore whether a mini-auction or broader outreach makes sense
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Assess how competitive interest could improve terms and valuation
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Think about whether this aligns with your long-term exit planning
Creating competition often leads to stronger offers and better terms, even if you ultimately choose not to sell.
Is a mini-auction right for your business?
5. Learn What the Sale Process Involves
Even if you decide not to pursue the current offer, this could be the right time to begin learning more about the sale process and what it takes to prepare your company for sale.
What you can do:
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Understand the key steps in a typical M&A transaction
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Familiarize yourself with financial due diligence requirements
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Start thinking about what matters to you in a potential exit
The more you know about the process now, the better positioned you’ll be if and when the right opportunity comes along.
Final Thought
Receiving interest in your business—even when you’re not actively seeking it—can be an opportunity to pause, evaluate, and plan.
Whether you’re ready to engage with a potential buyer or simply want to understand what your business might be worth, knowing your options allows you to make informed, strategic decisions.
Taking a measured approach helps you protect what you’ve built—and prepare for what’s next.
Want to better understand where your company stands today?
Learn why a preliminary M&A valuation is an essential first step in preparing your business for future opportunities.
Read: Why You Need a Preliminary M&A Valuation
