Hey there, fellow founders of boutique professional service firms. If you’re contemplating selling your firm, you’re undoubtedly entering into a complex and potentially game-changing process. It’s a decision that requires careful planning and execution, and one of the crucial questions on your mind might be whether or not to inform your employees about the pending sale. In this blog post, we’re exploring the six compelling reasons why you should consider keeping your cards close to your chest when it comes to sharing this news with your team.

1. 1. Deals Often Fall Apart During Due Diligence

Let’s face it, folks – deals in the world of business can be as unpredictable as a roll of the dice. Many a promising transaction has crumbled during the due diligence phase for various reasons. Telling your employees about a sale that might not even go through can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. It’s better to maintain business as usual until you have a signed agreement in hand.

2. Employee Distraction Can Lead to a Dip in Results

When the word gets out about a pending sale, employees may start to wonder about their job security. This uncertainty can lead to a dip in their performance and focus, which is the last thing you need during a critical phase like a sale. Such distractions can also undermine the confidence of potential acquirers, making them question the stability and viability of your firm.

3. Loose Lips Can Sink Ships

Employees are a talkative bunch, and news of a pending sale can easily leak into the industry grapevine. Competitors might seize this information to their advantage, and even your clients might pause their relationships with you, uncertain about the firm’s future. Keeping the sale under wraps can protect your business from unnecessary turbulence.

4. Deals Morph During Due Diligence

During the due diligence process, deals often undergo significant changes. These changes can affect who stays, who goes, and the overall structure of the transaction. Until the final details are ironed out, it’s prudent to maintain confidentiality to avoid unnecessary confusion and anxiety among your employees.

5. You’ll Need Everyone On Board to Hit Your Earn Out

If your sale includes an earn-out clause, it’s crucial to keep your team motivated and engaged. Prematurely disclosing the sale can lead to a spike in turnover, with key employees potentially leaving before the deal is finalized. It’s essential to maintain a cohesive and committed team to meet your earn-out goals.

6. You Might Decide Not to Sell

Finally, and importantly, founders have a tendency to change their minds at the eleventh hour. The allure of selling might wane as the details become clearer, or unforeseen circumstances might arise. If you’ve already told your employees about the sale, you’ll face a difficult and potentially disruptive situation if you decide to back out.

In Conclusion: Maintain the Art of Silence

In the world of business, discretion is often your best ally. While transparency with your employees is generally commendable, when it comes to pending sales, it’s often wise to err on the side of caution. Keep these six compelling reasons in mind before prematurely sharing the news with your team.

Remember, a successful sale requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a well-executed process. Maintain the confidentiality necessary to navigate the complexities of the transaction smoothly. When the time is right, and the deal is firm, you can share the news with your employees, providing them with the stability and reassurance they need to thrive in the transition.

So, dear founders, as you venture into the exciting world of selling your boutique professional service firm, keep these reasons in mind and play your cards close to your chest until the right moment arrives. Your employees will thank you for it, and your potential acquirers will respect your professionalism and discretion.

If you are contemplating a sale of your firm, consider joining Collective 54 by applying here. You can learn a lot from a community of peers going through the same process as you.