Standard Deal Documents Every Buyer Needs Before Closing a Transaction

Buying a business isn’t just about the numbers…it’s about understanding the documents and decisions that protect you at the closing table.In this episode of The Deal Factory, host Jeff Harkness sits down with Nick Bramblett, COO of 3PG Advisors, to unpack the real-world mechanics of buying a business in the trades and service industries. Nick shares his journey from corporate finance and law to M&A advisory, and together they break down the must-know governing documents, common pitfalls, and the difference between asset and stock purchase agreements. Whether you’re looking to scale your landscaping company or acquire a pool business, this episode gives you the inside track on what it takes to be a smart buyer.Key Discussion Points:The difference between asset deals vs. stock dealsWhy the Letter of Intent (LOI) sets the tone for a successful closeThe “big three” governing documentsHow rollover equity and operating agreements work in buy-side dealsNon-compete and non-solicit agreements: what’s “market” and why it variesBusiness realities of asset deals: rehiring employees, benefits, truck titles, and insuranceThe importance of having an M&A attorney vs. a generalistLegal costs: what buyers should realistically budgetGrowing role of labor compliance and immigration (H2B, I-9s) in diligence