A Step-By-Step Blueprint To Selling Your School
Selling a private school is a complex process that requires careful planning, strategic positioning, and expert guidance. From the initial decision to sell through to closing, each stage involves financial, legal, and operational considerations that directly impact the outcome. At Halladay Education Group (HEG), we’ve helped private school owners across North America navigate this journey with confidence and clarity.
Here’s a high-level look at what the school sale process typically involves:
1. Preparation and Valuation
Before going to market, it’s essential to:
- Conduct a professional valuation that reflects your school’s true worth.
- Organize financials, legal records, and operational data.
- Clean up any outstanding liabilities or compliance issues.
- Clarify your post-sale goals and ideal terms
2. Marketing Materials and Data Room
Once your school is prepared, we create:
- A Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) detailing your school’s operations, finances, and value drivers
- A secure data room with supporting documents for due diligence
- A marketing strategy targeting qualified, vetted buyers
3. Targeting and Qualifying Buyers
Buyers can include private equity firms, education operators, independent sponsors, and international groups. We:
- Confidentially approach aligned buyers in our network.
- Execute NDAs before sharing sensitive materials.
- Screen and qualify buyer inquiries for fit and readiness
4. Pre-Offer Due Diligence
Serious buyers begin their initial review:
- Assessing your financial performance and enrollment trends
- Reviewing staff contracts, regulatory history, and accreditations
- Requesting school visits or management calls
This step builds buyer confidence and shortens the timeline from offer to close.
5. Offers and Letter of Intent (LOI)
When a buyer is ready, they submit a Letter of Intent outlining:
- Purchase price and payment structure
- Deal terms and contingencies (e.g., financing, due diligence window)
- Exclusivity, deposits, and closing timelines
We review all offers with you, negotiate terms, and guide you in selecting the best-fit buyer.
6. Final Due Diligence and Purchase Agreement
After signing the LOI:
- Full legal, financial, and operational due diligence begins.
- The definitive purchase agreement (DPA) is negotiated and drafted.
- Regulatory approvals and consents are secured as needed
We support you through every stage to ensure deadlines are met and risks are managed.
7. Transition Planning and Close
As the deal nears completion:
- Staff, students, and stakeholders are informed with sensitivity and care.
- A transition plan is developed to ensure continuity of operations.
- Final signatures are executed, and ownership is transferred
A successful close is not just about legal documents, but about protecting your school’s mission, values, and legacy.
Ready to take the next step in selling your school? Let’s talk. Contact HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call 1.800.687.1492 for a confidential consultation on how we can help you plan and execute a successful sale.