search-funds
What should a search fund target screen include before a first seller call?
It should include industry fit, company size, ownership profile, revenue quality, owner dependence, cyclicality, cash conversion, and likely transition risk.
A target screen should protect the searcher's time before seller conversations become emotionally or politically expensive. For searchers and acquisition entrepreneurs moving from search activity into operating control, the practical answer is to treat the question as part of target screening, investor communication, acquisition diligence, leadership transition, and first-year ownership, not as a one-off definition. The record should show the search thesis, target screen, diligence findings, investor approvals, lender package, transition plan, and first board materials so an investor, lender, counsel, administrator, or operating lead can reconstruct the decision later. The screen should identify the few facts that would disqualify the target and the questions that must be answered on the first call. The common failure mode is entering seller calls with only a broad thesis and no way to test whether the business fits investor expectations or operator capacity.
Related glossary terms
Related questions
How often should a searcher update investors during the active search phase?
Most searchers should use a consistent monthly or quarterly cadence, with faster updates when a target moves into LOI, diligence, or acquisition financing.
How should a searcher handle investor approval for a live deal?
The searcher should define the approval path, required materials, decision dates, capital ask, dissent process, and conditions before signing or closing deadlines.
What makes a search fund first-year budget useful?
A useful first-year budget connects baseline performance, debt service, hiring needs, transition costs, working capital, and value creation initiatives.