Lesson 1Trade and admin checks: licences, food safety, health and safety, regulated permitsLearn to check if the business follows trade, admin, and sector rules, like licences, food safety, health and safety, and other needed permits to run properly.
Mapping required licenses and permitsReviewing food hygiene and safety recordsHealth and safety risk assessmentsSector‑specific regulated authorizationsConsequences of missing authorizationsLesson 2Papers to get from seller and buyer: list with company, money, lease, worker, IP, tax docsThis part gives a handy list of papers to ask from seller and buyer, covering company, money, tax, lease, worker, IP, and regulation records for solid due diligence.
Corporate and governance documentationFinancial statements and management reportsTax, social‑security, and audit recordsLeases, property, and environmental filesEmployment, IP, and key commercial contractsLesson 3Worker checks: staff list, contracts, group deals, transfer duties and info rulesLearn to review worker setup, like staff lists, contracts, group deals, transfer rules, and handling info and talks with staff reps.
Obtaining and analyzing employee listsReviewing employment contracts and clausesCollective bargaining and workplace agreementsAutomatic transfer of employees on saleInformation and consultation obligationsLesson 4Tax and social security checks: VAT, local trade tax, unpaid debts, recent auditsCheck VAT, local trade taxes, wage costs, social security payments, spot unpaid debts, and look at recent tax checks that might show hidden problems.
Reviewing VAT registration and filingsChecking local business tax and CFE statusSocial‑security and payroll contribution reviewAnalyzing recent tax and URSSAF auditsManaging discovered tax and social liabilitiesLesson 5Accounts and money checks: goodwill value, stock methods, recent P&L and balance reviewLearn to check accounts, value ideas, and book methods for goodwill, stock, provisions, use recent profits/loss and balance sheets to spot trends and issues.
Understanding the structure of the P&LBalance sheet and working capital reviewGoodwill valuation methods and driversInventory and cost accounting policiesIdentifying red flags in financial trendsLesson 6Environment, land, planning checks on premises and allowed useCheck environment, land use, planning limits on premises, confirm allowed uses, spot pollution or rule breaks that could stop work or need fixes.
Reviewing title, easements, and occupancyZoning, planning rules, and permitted useEnvironmental reports and contamination risksHealth, nuisance, and neighborhood issuesRemediation duties and allocation of costsLesson 7IP and digital assets: shop name, marks, domain, phone, website rightsLearn to find and secure IP and digital items like shop names, marks, domains, phone numbers, software, website, confirm ownership and licences.
Identifying trade names and trademarksDomain names, websites, and hosting rightsPhone numbers, social media, and listingsIP ownership, licenses, and assignmentsInfringement risks and brand protectionLesson 8Asset and stock checks: fittings, equipment, upkeep records, warrantiesCheck existence, state, ownership of fittings, equipment, stock, review upkeep records, warranties, leases, loans affecting items.
Listing fixtures and movable equipmentPhysical inspection and condition reportsMaintenance logs and service contractsOwnership, leases, and financed assetsInventory valuation and obsolescence risksLesson 9Lease checks: confirm term, transfer clauses, landlord okay, formalitiesReview shop lease, confirm term, check transfer clauses, landlord okay, formal steps for valid handover.
Confirming lease existence and key termsRent, charges, and indexation mechanismsAssignment and subletting restrictionsLandlord consent and waiver proceduresLease renewal, termination, and optionsLesson 10Company and identity checks on seller and liens on business assetsConfirm seller identity, power to sell, spot pledges, liens on assets, ensure clear title and good transfer.
Verifying corporate existence and good standingChecking powers of representation and signingReviewing corporate decision‑making approvalsSearching for liens, pledges, and seizuresAssessing impact of encumbrances on the sale
