For both the buyer and the seller, the M&A process is an exciting and stressful
experience. Like any experience that is full of uncertainty, different personalities,
and risk, the more realistic your expectations, the more likely you
are to weather the process successfully. You might even become one of those
people who are addicted to “the deal.” The intent of this chapter is to introduce
you to the overall M&A process from beginning to end. The beginning
of the process might not be where you expect it to be, and the end certainly
extends past the final signing of agreements. Taking a few minutes to work
your way through this chapter will help you to gauge your timing, activities,
and expectations, and will make the entire process more productive and profitable.