EP 67: Common Legal Traps That Will Kill Your Exit Deal

Thinking about selling your business — now or someday? Then you cannot afford to miss this episode. In this deep-dive conversation, M&A attorney Hallam “Hal” Stanton breaks down the legal realities behind selling a small or mid-market business — including the traps that kill deals, the mistakes founders make without realizing it, and the strategies that help sellers protect value and close on their terms. We cover: • Why 40% of small business deals fail before closing — and how to avoid becoming one of them • The critical financial and legal red flags buyers look for • Asset sale vs. equity sale: what founders always get wrong • What an LOI really is (and why exclusivity can hurt you if you’re unprepared) • How to survive due diligence by preparing years in advance • The legal documents that matter most — and the clauses sellers should push back on • How to keep leverage in a negotiation (even as a small founder) If you want to maximize your valuation, reduce risk, and exit your business on your terms, this episode will show you exactly how the legal side works — and how to avoid being blindsided. Explore The ExitEngine™ Platform: Get your Total Exit Value Score™ Learn the 10 drivers of saleability Find vetted M&A advisors and other Advisory Partners Join a community of owners preparing for strategic exits Visit MyExitEngine.com to learn more.

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