Selling Your Business

Exit on Your Terms, with Maximum Value

Strategic Guidance for Business Owners Ready to Sell

Selling your company is a once-in-a-lifetime event. At First Turn Capital, we help business owners turn decades of work into a well-structured, premium exit. From valuation and market positioning to negotiation and post-close support, we deliver a process built to protect your legacy and maximize returns.

Sell-Side M&A Advisory

Our sell-side advisory is designed for owners of mid-market businesses who are preparing for a full or partial sale. We guide you through valuation, marketing, buyer outreach, diligence, and deal structuring—so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.

What It Is

How We Help You Sell Smarter

Selling isn’t just about finding a buyer—it’s about driving demand, defending value, and controlling the process. Our structured, founder-first approach puts you in control of timing, terms, and the story you tell to the market.

  • Financial Analysis & Valuation

    We begin with a deep dive into your financials, delivering a Market Value Analysis (MVA) based on historical data, market comps, and industry multiples.

  • Marketing & Buyer Outreach

    We prepare confidential marketing materials, including a Teaser and Confidential Business Overview (CBO), to attract serious, qualified buyers.

  • Due Diligence Defense

    We run a seller’s due diligence process up front—so when buyers dig in, there are no surprises. This reduces renegotiations and protects your price.

Who It’s Best For

Our sell-side services are built for business owners who want a premium exit without wasting time on the wrong buyers or missteps.

We Serve:

    • Founders preparing for retirement or succession
    • Business owners responding to unsolicited offers
    • Entrepreneurs seeking liquidity while protecting their legacy
    • Companies with private equity backing ready to exit
    • Operators preparing for a sale in 1–3 years

Why Choose Our
Sell-Side Advisory

The FTC Advantage for Business Owners

Selling your business is a high-stakes move. Here’s what sets our sell-side approach apart:

Key Features of Our Sell-Side Advisory

Strategic Tools for a Confident, High-Value Exit

Our sell-side process is designed to protect your interests and drive premium outcomes at every step of the sale.

  • Market Value Analysis with Valuation Range

    Know what your business is worth—based on real comps, buyer demand, and key valuation triggers in your industry.

  • Custom Marketing Materials & Buyer Outreach

    We craft compelling, confidential materials and reach out to qualified buyers in our private equity and strategic network.

  • Preemptive Due Diligence & Data Room Prep

    We organize your documents and address risks early—reducing deal delays and protecting your valuation during diligence.

  • Deal Structuring & Post-Close Support

    From negotiating final terms to supporting your legal team, we guide the finish line and stay involved after the close.

Our Sale Process

5 Steps to a Successful Exit

    • Initial Strategy Session

      Define your goals, timeline, and personal priorities for the sale.

    • Valuation & Market Readiness

      We conduct a Market Value Analysis and assess how buyer-ready your business is today.

    • Marketing & Buyer Outreach

      We create marketing materials and begin outreach to qualified buyers, managing NDAs and inquiries.

    • Negotiation & Diligence

      We lead deal negotiations, prep you for diligence, and keep the deal on track.

    • Close & Transition

      Once the deal is signed, we support your legal team and help ensure a smooth handoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Business Owners Need to Know

    • How do I know if it’s the right time to sell?

      The right time depends on both your personal goals and market conditions. If you’re considering an exit in the next 1 to 3 years, we recommend starting with a readiness review. This assessment helps clarify your business’s current value, market timing, and what steps—if any—should be taken to strengthen your outcome. Even if you’re unsure about selling now, early planning gives you more control later.

    • How long does it take to sell a business?

      Most middle-market transactions take 6 to 12 months from engagement to close. That timeline includes preparation, buyer outreach, due diligence, negotiation, and legal finalization. At First Turn Capital, we speed up the process by preparing thoroughly before going to market. The more ready you are up front, the smoother and faster the deal typically moves.

    • What’s the difference between valuation and price?

      Valuation is a professional estimate of your company’s market value based on financial performance, industry comps, and projected earnings. Price is what a buyer is actually willing to pay—and the two aren’t always the same. Our role is to position your business strategically, close any value gaps, and create a competitive process that gets your valuation and final price as close as possible.

    • Do I have to share my plans with employees?

      No, not right away. Confidentiality is critical during the sale process. Most business owners choose to keep the process private until a deal is signed and close is near. We work with you to time employee communications appropriately, often coordinating with legal and HR teams to ensure a smooth and respectful transition when it’s time to share the news.

    • What if I get a direct offer from a buyer?

      It’s common—but not always ideal. Direct offers can feel convenient but are often below true market value. Before accepting anything, we recommend running a Market Value Analysis to determine what your business is really worth. We’ll help you assess the offer, negotiate terms, and—if appropriate—launch a full sale process to generate competing bids and increase your leverage.

    • Can you help me sell just a portion of my company?

      Yes. We regularly structure partial exits, minority stake sales, recapitalizations, and management buyouts. These strategies allow you to take some chips off the table while retaining ownership, gaining a strategic partner, or setting up a full exit down the road. We help you evaluate what structure best aligns with your financial goals and business legacy.

    • What if my business isn’t ready to sell?

      That’s completely okay—and more common than you might think. We offer both M&A Readiness and Value Growth Consulting services to help you strengthen your business before going to market. From optimizing financials to building operational systems, we work with you to improve your valuation and market positioning over time. The earlier we start, the more value we can help you unlock.

    • Will you help me after the sale?

      Absolutely. Our support continues after the ink is dry. Whether you’re navigating earn-outs, helping your team transition, or monitoring post-close performance, we stay engaged to protect your interests. We also coordinate with your legal and financial advisors to handle any issues that may arise post-close—so you can move forward with peace of mind.

Is Your Business Ready for a Sale or Strategic Exit?

Why This 60 Second Form Is Worth Your Time

It’s the first step in exploring a potential M&A transaction with First Turn Capital.

  • Uncover What’s Driving Your Valuation
  • Spot Operational Gaps That Could Kill a Deal
  • See If You’re Caught in the Owner’s Trap
  • Understand What Buyers Are Really Looking For

Once you complete the form, a member of our senior M&A team will review it and follow up with a confidential, no-pressure call. We’ll walk through your responses, discuss timing, and share what today’s buyers are paying for, along with what they’re avoiding. Whether you're planning for the future or already entertaining offers, this is a smart place to start.

Stay Ahead with Insights Built for Business Owners

Start the Conversation With First Turn Capital

Thinking about a sale? Exploring growth capital? Planning for something in between? It starts with this form.

Give us 60 seconds, and we’ll help you make your next move with confidence.

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