The M&A process, in plain English
Selling a business should not feel like a black box. Here is exactly what happens at Dynamic Legal, in order, with realistic timelines, what we need from you at each stage, and what you get back. Most sales run four to six months from mandate to payment.
- Day 1
01. Free valuation and first call
You run the free valuation, we call you back and talk through the range, your reasons for selling and whether now is the right time.
What we need from youNothing formal. No documents, no fee.
What you getAn honest view on whether your business is sellable today.
- Day 1 – 3
02. NDA and mandate
We sign a mutual NDA immediately so you can speak freely. If you want to proceed, you sign a mandate online that sets out our fixed fees and the term.
What we need from youSign two documents online.
What you getR45,000 engagement fee, 3% success fee on the deal value. No hidden extras.
- Week 1 – 3
03. Preparation and information pack
We build the information memorandum: what the business does, financial history, staff, contracts, assets and the growth story. This is where value is won or lost.
What we need from youThree years of financials, a customer overview and key contracts.
What you getA buyer-ready pack and a defensible asking price.
- Week 3 – 10
04. Buyer search
We approach vetted buyers — our closed group of private investors we know personally — on a no-names basis first. Buyers only learn who you are once they sign an NDA.
What we need from youApprove the buyer list before anyone is contacted.
What you getConfidential outreach and a shortlist of funded, serious buyers.
- Week 8 – 14
05. Offers and negotiation
Interested buyers submit a non-binding offer setting out price, structure and conditions. We compare them side by side — price is only one part; payment terms matter just as much.
What we need from youChoose the offer you want to take forward.
What you getNegotiation on price, deferred payments and warranties.
- Week 12 – 20
06. Due diligence
The buyer verifies what we told them: financials, tax, employees, contracts, compliance. Surprises kill deals, so we flag issues early rather than letting them surface here.
What we need from youAnswer questions and share documents through a secure data room.
What you getWe manage the request list and protect your time.
- Week 18 – 24
07. Agreements and conditions
The sale agreement is drafted and negotiated. Where the deal is large enough, competition approval or other regulatory conditions are dealt with here.
What we need from youReview and sign with your attorney.
What you getCommercial negotiation and coordination of every condition.
- Completion
08. Closing and payment
Conditions are met, ownership transfers, and the purchase price is paid according to the agreed structure. Any handover period starts.
What we need from youHand over and, if agreed, stay on for a short transition.
What you getFinal checks, transfer and settlement of our 3% success fee.
What you can count on
Fixed fees: R45,000 engagement, 3% on success. Nothing else.
Full confidentiality — buyers sign an NDA before they learn your name.
You approve every buyer before we approach them.
One point of contact from valuation right through to payment.
Start where every deal starts
Run the free valuation. If the number works for you, we take it from there.