Guardian Due Diligence Blog

Thought leadership and news from the Guardian Due Diligence team.

5 Vital Steps in the Financial Due Diligence Process
Elliott Holland Elliott Holland

5 Vital Steps in the Financial Due Diligence Process

Learning these steps ensures you have a clear understanding of a company's financial picture before you buy.

Due diligence is a broad term you may hear in various settings. When buying a business, due diligence typically applies to the financial side of things, as you'll want to be sure you know about the company's finances, assets, and debts before investing your money.

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How to Buy a Business: 5 Questions You Need to Ask
Elliott Holland Elliott Holland

How to Buy a Business: 5 Questions You Need to Ask

Before buying a business, write down a list of questions to ask yourself and the seller. The answers will help you make a sound purchasing decision.

If you’re like most people, you’ll want to research how to buy a business before making your final decision. That’s because business acquisition can be exciting and frightening at the same time. Buying a business can be an effective way to start or continue your entrepreneurial journey, but it also means taking on significant risks.

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How Much Money Can You REALLY Make Buying a Business in 2023?
Elliott Holland Elliott Holland

How Much Money Can You REALLY Make Buying a Business in 2023?

The short answer is MILLIONS. With an SBA loan, buyers of small to medium-sized business can make anywhere from $3.5 million to $35 million. Plus, you can do it without putting any of your own money down! Acquisition entrepreneurship is a fantastic strategy to get the freedom and wealth you’ve always wanted.

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Due Diligence Services: 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Letter of Intent
Elliott Holland Elliott Holland

Due Diligence Services: 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Letter of Intent

Writing a letter of intent is an important part of acquiring a business. Here are common mistakes to avoid during the due diligence process.

Many factors come into play when negotiating a business deal, including writing a letter of intent (LOI). An LOI helps you create the fundamental agreement between you and the seller in the event you move forward to finalizing a deal. While it's not legally binding, an LOI shows your intention to commit to the transaction to pave the way to further negotiations.

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5 Ways to Define Due Diligence – and How It Differs From an Audit
Elliott Holland Elliott Holland

5 Ways to Define Due Diligence – and How It Differs From an Audit

Due diligence goes beyond an audit and can guide you to the best decisions when you're investing in a business

Financial audits and due diligence overlap in many ways. They both allow potential investors or stakeholders to learn more about a company, but beyond that, these processes are very different.

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