The most important thing to remember is that any prospective purchaser is looking for a very good deal -- for themselves. So if you do decide to go ahead, get

The most important thing to remember is that any prospective purchaser is looking for a very good deal -- for themselves. So if you do decide to go ahead, get experienced and competent lawyer and accountant to handle the details. You will need to be comfortable with paying some considerable fees for their services, if not, then you really do run the risk of agreeing to a bad deal. The personal question to ask yourself is whether there is anything else that you would rather be doing? and if so, how much money in the bank/investments would that require? Then only consider offers to buy if after closing costs, consulting services and TAXES you will end up with more than the above amount. IMHO only walk-in / walk-out deals are safe. Earn-outs, guarantees, hold-backs, etc are effectively money taken off the table. You have to remember that post-acquisition everything changes and you are unlikely to be happy with those changes. The cost of subsequent legal action and the stress are simply not worth it.