Exit Readiness Checklist for MSPs

A practical checklist to help MSP leaders prepare for a successful sale, merger, or investment.

Introduction

Preparing your MSP for exit isn’t just about timing—it’s about structure, clarity, and maximising value. Whether you’re 6 months or 3 years away, this checklist will help you identify the areas that need attention before you engage buyers or investors.

1. Strategic Clarity

Before you think about valuation, buyers want to see that your business has direction. Clear strategic intent makes your MSP more attractive and reduces perceived risk.

  • Defined long-term goals (e.g. sale, merger, partial exit.)

  • Aligned leadership team with a clear exit vision.

  • Documented strategic plan for the next 12–24 months.

  • Clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and competitive differentiator.

2. Financial Readiness

Clean financials are a non-negotiable. Buyers and investors will scrutinise every number—transparency and structure are essential.

  • Clean, accurate financial records (past 3 years.)

  • Up-to-date P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

  • Recurring revenue clearly segmented and documented.

  • EBITDA calculated and normalised.

  • No outstanding tax or legal liabilities.

3. Operational Maturity

Well-run MSPs are far more valuable. Operational maturity shows that the business can scale and run independently of the founder.

  • Documented SOPs for key business functions.

  • Defined org chart and role responsibilities.

  • KPIs and dashboards in place (e.g. service delivery, sales, finance.)

  • Use of industry-standard PSA, RMM, and documentation tools.

  • Scalable service delivery model.

4. Client & Revenue Insights

Buyers want to understand your client base, revenue mix, and risks. Clear, balanced income across industries and contracts is ideal.

  • Accurate client list with contract status and terms.

  • Revenue by client, industry, and service type.

  • No overreliance on any single client (>15% of revenue.)

  • High client retention rate and satisfaction metrics (e.g. CSAT/NPS.)

  • Active pipeline of new business.

5. Legal & Compliance

Buyers don’t want legal surprises. Being organised with contracts, compliance, and IP signals a healthy, trustworthy business.

  • All contracts in place (clients, suppliers, staff.)

  • IP, trademarks, and licences up to date and clearly owned.

  • GDPR and cybersecurity policies in place and followed.

  • Employment contracts and staff handbook reviewed.

  • Any shareholder agreements or disputes resolved.

6. Team & Leadership

An acquirer isn’t just buying your systems—they’re buying your people. A stable, accountable leadership team is key to a successful transition.

  • Engaged and stable leadership team.

  • Succession plan or transition plan documented.

  • Key person dependencies identified and mitigated.

  • Incentive plans in place (e.g. LTIPs, retention bonuses.)

  • Culture aligned with performance and client delivery.

7. Buyer-Ready Positioning

Your ability to clearly tell your story, and demonstrate future value, is often what moves a deal forward. Prepare like you’re already in the room.

  • Executive summary or prospectus drafted.

  • Elevator pitch for buyers or investors.

  • Highlighted growth opportunities for acquirers.

  • Clear understanding of valuation drivers and multiples.

  • Prepared for basic due diligence requests.

Next Steps

The more ready you are, the more valuable, and attractive, your MSP becomes to buyers.

Not sure where you stand? Let us help.

👉 Book a free Exit Readiness Review with Adelvium and we’ll walk through this checklist with you. You’ll come away with clear priorities, risk areas to address, and a roadmap to boost your valuation.

📅 Schedule Your Review Call

Adelvium: Helping MSPs scale, optimise, and prepare for successful exits.