Getting Acquisition Ready

Even if your company is not preparing for an acquisition, the company should always be acquisition ready. What that essentially means is: (1) the company should always be mindful of de-risking and mindful of its corporate affairs: the company should be clean and clear from a corporate legal perspective and risk perspective; and (2) the company should have a business plan and be ready to adapt to the market: the company should be considerate of both its short-term and long-term goals regarding how it intends to succeed in the marketplace and stand out from competitors and ready to pivot when necessary. Founders who focus on an exit strategy from day one may be missing the mark, however. Often, it's those with a passion for solving a particular problem who will succeed because their efforts are focused on just that, rather than some other result. Acquirers and investors who are sophisticated are likely to perceive the difference. Regardless, it's important to be