For HVAC and plumbing owners considering an exit, the process of selling a business typically starts long before any buyer is involved. Core Growth Group has published a resource that maps the sale timeline into defined stages, from early preparation through valuation, buyer negotiations, due diligence, and final transition, examining how each phase shapes the overall duration of a transaction.
More information is available at https://coregrowthgroup.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-business-stages-average-timeline
The guidance comes as succession planning becomes increasingly relevant for privately held businesses. According to the Exit Planning Institute's 2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report, 75% of business owners would like to exit within the next 10 years. Core Growth Group notes that many of those owners have yet to put a formal transition plan in writing.
Core Growth Group explains that selling a privately held HVAC or plumbing business typically takes 12 to 18 months from initial preparation through closing and transition. The guide divides that timeline into five stages: preparation; valuation and marketing; buyer outreach and letter of intent; due diligence; and closing and transition.
Preparation can take six to 12 months when financials or operational documentation need attention, while due diligence may require an additional 30 to 90 days. Beginning the process earlier gives owners more time to address potential issues before they surface during buyer review, which can otherwise affect negotiations or extend the overall timeline.
The resource also examines how the choice of sale route can influence the process. A traditional broker-led transaction requires marketing the business and identifying prospective buyers, while a direct strategic acquisition can remove those stages when an owner and buyer are already a suitable match.
Core Growth Group operates as a direct strategic buyer of qualifying HVAC and plumbing businesses across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Founder Clint Evans also runs a service business, which the company says informs its approach to evaluating acquisitions and planning ownership transitions.
Strengthening financial reporting, documenting operations, and reducing owner dependency ahead of negotiations can support a more orderly transition while giving owners a clearer picture of what prospective buyers may evaluate.
More details on Core Growth Group's Grow, Prepare, Exit approach are available at https://coregrowthgroup.com/