Common Deal Patterns

These are common starting patterns, not six rigid choices. Real transactions can combine multiple components. Use these examples to understand the basic mechanics and trade-offs before you explore your own deal mixes later in the tool.

These examples are educational. They are not an assessment of a specific offer, buyer, financing package, tax outcome, or legal structure. Actual terms, availability, obligations, and protections depend on the transaction and professional advice.

Explore the patterns and add 2–3 to your comparison

Open a pattern to read how it generally works. Adding a structure to your comparison does not mean you prefer it, and the order you add them carries no meaning.

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Explore the patterns and add 2–3 to your comparison

All-Cash CloseMore value positioned at closingMost or all of the agreed purchase consideration is paid at or near closing rather than being left in a seller note, earnout, or continuing equity position.

Cash + Seller FinancingFixed deferred paymentThe seller receives part of the consideration at closing and allows the buyer to pay another fixed portion over time.

Cash + Earnout / Performance-Based ConsiderationPerformance-contingent valuePart of the consideration is paid later only if defined business-performance or other agreed conditions are achieved.

Cash + Equity RolloverContinued ownership / retained investmentThe seller receives part of the consideration and keeps or reinvests part of their value as ownership in the post-transaction business or ownership entity.

SBA-Backed Acquisition StructureBuyer financing pathThe buyer uses financing from a participating lender that is supported by an SBA loan guaranty as part of an eligible ownership-change transaction.

Hybrid / Custom StructureCustom combinationThe transaction intentionally combines multiple payment, financing, ownership, holdback, or contingent-value components.