Business Acquisition
Documents Needed for a Business Acquisition Loan
Lenders move fast when you give them a complete story: what you are buying, what it earns, what changes post-close, and how the debt is repaid.
Missing documents do not just slow the process, they change risk perception.
For context on financing routes, review: SMB acquisition finance
and our overview of small business acquisitions.
1) Deal Documents
| Document |
What lenders look for |
Common mistake |
| Letter of Intent (LOI) |
Price, structure, timeline, exclusivity, key conditions |
LOI does not match the final purchase agreement |
| Purchase Agreement (APA/SPA) |
What is acquired, working capital terms, indemnities, seller note, earnout, escrow |
Ambiguity on assets, liabilities, and purchase price adjustments |
| Sources & Uses |
Debt, equity, seller note, fees, working capital, capex |
Fees and closing costs are missing, equity is undefined |
| Use of Proceeds narrative |
Why debt is needed and how it supports the business |
Generic language that reads like a template |
2) Target Company Financial Package
Core financials
- Historical financial statements and tax filings
- Interim statements and trailing performance support
- Bank statements that reconcile to revenue reality
- Schedule of debt and any liens
Operating proof
- Customer concentration and top contracts
- Supplier list and key dependencies
- Payroll summary and headcount plan
- KPIs that match the business model
3) Buyer Profile and Post-Close Plan
A lender is underwriting the business and the buyer. That means your experience, liquidity, and execution plan matter.
If the plan relies on a gap tranche, seller carry, or other structural support, state it clearly.
If you are dealing with an equity shortfall, read: gap funding for a business acquisition.
4) Compliance and KYC
Expectation:
KYC is not optional. If owners, UBOs, or funds sources are unclear, the file slows or dies.
Keep it simple: corporate documents, ownership, IDs, proof of address, and a credible source of funds narrative for equity.
5) Our Offer
Financely builds lender-ready acquisition packages and runs lender outreach and term sheet workflow through closing.
If you want a structured process with measurable outputs, review: Lender Introduction and Term Sheet Auction Management.
Request Indicative Terms
Share your LOI or purchase agreement, target financials, and a short buyer profile. We will revert with likely structures and a clean diligence checklist.
For process expectations, see How It Works.