Why Selling Your Business Feels So Hard
You’re not imagining it.
Private equity firms are sitting on over $2 trillion in capital, and many are actively looking for deals in sectors not affected by tariffs or supply chain uncertainty. In this quick Q1’25 market update, Kirk Michie breaks down what founders need to know about today’s M&A environment—what’s moving, what’s not, and why now may be the right time to act.
Selling your company might be the biggest professional milestone of your life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Many founders go in expecting a financial transaction and find themselves in the middle of an emotional and operational gauntlet.
You’re Running Two Companies Now
The first reason it feels so hard? You’re suddenly doing double (or triple) duty. Your normal work doesn’t stop—clients still need attention, teams still need leadership. But now, you’re also:
Fielding due diligence requests
Working with M&A attorneys
Reviewing buyer materials
Negotiating deal terms
Making critical decisions with long-term consequences
The Workload Intensifies
Even in the most organized process, deal prep will consume 3 to 12 months of your life. You’ll be evaluating advisory fees, coordinating documents, and managing expectations—while keeping your company running strong.
Beyond the tactical work, founders face emotional whiplash: excitement, fear, hope, doubt, pressure. Selling is filled with unknowns, and it’s often a first-time experience. There’s real anxiety—about timing, outcome, and identity.
Support Is Not Optional
You’ll need support at home and at work. You’ll need advisors who’ve done this before. The stakes are too high to DIY. Mistakes at this stage can cost you millions.
Selling a company is both a personal and professional marathon. You won’t float through it on instinct alone. But with preparation, the right team, and emotional readiness—you’ll get through it. And it will be worth it.
