Selling your business isn’t a sprint — it’s a sequence.
At The Advisory Investment Bank, we’re built for speed without sacrificing quality.\
While many middle-market M&A processes stretch 9–12 months, our average transaction timeline is 120 to 180 days from kickoff to close.
That’s not luck — it’s process. Here’s how we make it happen –
Whether you’re an HVAC, plumbing, pest, or other essential services operator, knowing what to expect in the deal process can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a painful one.
Here’s what a typical M&A deal timeline looks like today
Phase 1: Initial Outreach (0–30 days)
Buyers sign NDAs, receive teasers, and review your Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM). This is where first impressions and positioning matter most.
Phase 2: Indications of Interest (30–60 days)
Buyers submit preliminary valuations (IOIs). Sellers begin to see who’s serious — and who’s not. A strong banker team narrows the field to the most qualified bidders.
Phase 3: Proposal & Diligence (60–90+ days)
The final bidders refine their offers. The data room opens, and accounting, tax, and operational diligence begin. This is the truth phase — where preparation pays off.
Phase 4: Legal Diligence & Signing (30–45 days)
Lawyers draft the purchase agreement, negotiate reps, warranties, and working capital targets. This is where deal terms get real.
Phase 5: Close (30–60+ days)
Regulatory approvals and closing conditions are satisfied. Funds wire, documents sign, and ownership transitions.
Why it matters:
Goodwin’s recent report on private equity timelines showed that average deal durations have increased 60% over the past year. Rising rates, tighter lender scrutiny, and expanded diligence are slowing down transactions — but they also create room for well-prepared sellers to stand out.
The Result
120–180 days from kickoff to closing.
That means less time in limbo, fewer distractions for your management team, and more certainty for your future.
At The Advisory Investment Bank, we help founders turn that delay into an advantage — tightening financials, strengthening positioning, and aligning expectations so you can close with confidence.
Thinking about selling or raising capital in 2025?
Let’s talk about what this timeline looks like for your business.
info@theadvisoryib.com
theadvisoryib.com
https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/10/insights-privateequity-deal-timelines-turning-delays
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