The process
From initial enquiry to completion, each stage defines the information, terms and documentation required for the acquisition.
1. Introduction
One email is enough to open a conversation: the domain or product, roughly how long you have run it, and whether you are exploring or ready to transact.
We review the business to determine whether it fits our acquisition criteria.
2. Mutual non-disclosure agreement
A mutual NDA is signed before confidential information is exchanged. Its scope and terms are agreed by both parties.
We can work from your NDA or provide ours.
3. Information request
An initial information request covers twelve months of revenue by source, read-only analytics or usage data, hosting and platform costs, contracts, recurring obligations and any unresolved issues.
Additional information may be requested as the review progresses.
4. Indicative offer
A written, non-binding offer normally within 48 hours of receiving complete information. It sets out the headline price, the valuation basis and multiple applied, the payment structure and the intended timetable.
If the number is below your expectation, we explain the reasoning rather than withdraw quietly.
5. Heads of terms and exclusivity
Once the outline is agreed we document it in short heads of terms covering price, structure, conditions and the agreed transition terms.
Any exclusivity period and its conditions are documented in the heads of terms. The indicative offer remains subject to due diligence and definitive agreements.
6. Due diligence
A focused review across three areas: commercial (revenue quality, traffic or usage, concentration risk), technical (codebase, infrastructure, dependencies, security) and legal (ownership of the domain, IP, contracts, data protection and any liabilities).
The scope and timing depend on the business and the information required.
7. Purchase agreement
A share or asset purchase agreement covering price, payment terms, warranties and indemnities, what transfers, and the agreed transition terms.
Payment structure, any deferred consideration and warranty provisions are set out in the agreement.
8. Completion and transfer
Funds are held by a notary or escrow agent and released at completion. Domain, code, content, accounts, contracts and social profiles transfer under a written checklist.
Migration responsibilities and the transfer timetable are documented before completion.
9. Handover
Any transition support, duration, responsibilities and compensation are agreed in the purchase agreement.
From first contact to completion is typically four to six weeks.
If you have been thinking about it, say so.
A first conversation costs you one email and commits you to nothing. If it is not a fit, we will tell you straight away.