We've all been there. You have a listing that checks every box: strong SDE, clean tax returns, and a seller who actually wants to sell. You find a qualified buyer with dry powder who seems perfect. You send over your CIM template.
And then... radio silence.
When you finally chase them down, they pass. "It just didn't feel right," they say. But the real reason? Your deal documentation looked like a hastily assembled Word doc instead of a professional confidential information memorandum template.
As business brokers, we know that presentation matters as much as the numbers. A professional CIM template business broker can use repeatedly saves time, ensures consistency, and presents Main Street transactions with the polish of Middle Market deals.
In this industry, "deal fatigue" sets in fast. According to industry data, 50% of deals fall apart during due diligence, often because information wasn't presented clearly enough to build trust. Even worse, estimates suggest that 80% to 90% of small businesses listed for sale never actually close.
A sloppy CIM screams risk. A structured, professional CIM template screams opportunity—and helps you close more deals.
This complete guide provides a proven CIM template structure business brokers can implement immediately, including detailed section breakdowns, content guidelines, and formatting best practices.
CIM Template Structure: 11-Section Framework
Your confidential information memorandum template needs to tell a story, not just dump data. This standardized CIM format ensures you don't miss critical information while trying to herd cats (aka your sellers) to get you the paperwork.
Standard CIM Template Overview
A professional CIM template for business brokers follows this proven 11-section structure. This specific flow is designed to answer a buyer's questions in the order they naturally ask them—building confidence with each section.
Section | Pages | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
1. Cover Page | 1 | First impression and basic info |
2. Disclaimer & Confidentiality | 1 | Legal protection |
3. Table of Contents | 1 | Navigation |
4. Executive Summary | 1-2 | Hook and overview |
5. Investment Highlights | 1 | Key selling points |
6. Company Overview | 2-3 | Background and context |
7. Products & Services | 2-3 | Revenue generation |
8. Market & Competition | 2-3 | Industry context |
9. Operations | 3-4 | How the business runs |
10. Financial Performance | 4-6 | Numbers and analysis |
11. Transaction Overview | 1-2 | Deal terms and next steps |
Appendices | Varies | Supporting documents |
Total: 20-30 pages for typical Main Street deals.
This CIM format balances comprehensiveness with readability. Longer than 30 pages and buyers won't finish it. Shorter than 20 pages and they'll question what you're hiding.
Section 1: CIM Template Cover Page
The cover page is often the only thing a buyer sees before opening the PDF. If your CIM template looks like a Word doc from 1998, they assume the business operations are just as dated.
Essential Cover Page Elements
[COMPANY LOGO]
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
[Business Name or Descriptive Title]
"Leading [Industry] Provider Serving [Region]"
[Month Year]
Presented by:
[Brokerage Name]
[Contact Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
CONFIDENTIAL
For Authorized Recipients Only
Professional CIM Format Design Tips
- Use professional, clean design. This is a business document, not a creative portfolio.
- Include brokerage branding. This builds your authority as much as the seller's.
- Avoid stock photos unless high quality. Real photos of the facility (if anonymous enough) work better.
- Keep it simple. One page, not cluttered with unnecessary graphics.
- Test the PDF rendering. Your beautiful design means nothing if it looks terrible on their iPad.
Pro tip: Create a master CIM template cover page you can quickly customize with each listing's details. This consistency builds your brokerage's brand across all deals.
Section 2: Disclaimer & Confidentiality Notice
This is your shield. While your NDA covers you legally, this disclaimer section reinforces that the data is provided by the seller and you (the broker) are not auditing it.
Standard CIM Template Disclaimer Language
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This Confidential Information Memorandum ("CIM") has been prepared
by [Brokerage Name] on behalf of [Business Name] (the "Company")
for the sole purpose of providing information to prospective buyers
who have executed a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this CIM has been obtained from
sources believed to be reliable. However, [Brokerage Name] makes
no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the
accuracy or completeness of this information.
This CIM does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation
of an offer to buy any securities or assets. Any such offer or
solicitation will be made only through definitive agreements
and is subject to the terms and conditions of such agreements.
Prospective buyers should conduct their own independent
investigation and analysis of the Company and verify all
information contained herein.
RESTRICTIONS
This CIM is the property of [Company Name] and [Brokerage Name].
It may not be copied, distributed, or disclosed to any other
party without prior written consent. Upon request, this CIM
and all copies must be returned or destroyed.
[Date]
Why this matters: I've seen brokers sued because a buyer claimed they "guaranteed" financial projections. This disclaimer doesn't eliminate all risk, but it clearly establishes the information's source and limitations.
Section 3: Table of Contents
Don't make buyers hunt for the SDE calculation. A clear table of contents in your CIM template shows you have nothing to hide and respects their time.
Professional CIM Template TOC Format
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary .......................... 4
2. Investment Highlights ...................... 6
3. Company Overview ........................... 7
4. Products & Services ....................... 10
5. Market & Competition ...................... 13
6. Operations ................................ 16
7. Management & Employees .................... 20
8. Financial Performance ..................... 22
9. Growth Opportunities ...................... 28
10. Transaction Overview ..................... 30
11. Appendices ............................... 32
A. Detailed Financial Statements
B. Asset List
C. Facility Photos
D. Customer Concentration Analysis
Format tip: Use right-aligned dot leaders and page numbers. It's a small detail, but it signals professionalism in your confidential information memorandum template.
Section 4: Executive Summary
This is the most important section of any CIM template business broker creates. If you lose them here, they won't read page 20. Think of this as the "Teaser on Steroids."
CIM Template Executive Summary Structure
Opening paragraph: One compelling paragraph describing what the business is and why it's attractive.
Business Snapshot Table:
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Asking Price | $X,XXX,XXX |
Annual Revenue | $X,XXX,XXX |
Seller's Discretionary Earnings | $XXX,XXX |
Asking Multiple | X.Xx SDE |
Years Established | XX |
Employees | X FT / X PT |
Location | City, State |
Real Estate | Owned / Leased |
Reason for Sale | [Honest, specific reason] |
Key Points: 4-6 bullet points summarizing the opportunity.
Ideal Buyer Profile: Who should consider this opportunity?
Executive Summary Content Guidelines
- Write this section LAST. You can't summarize what you haven't written.
- Lead with the hook. Why is this business special? What makes it stand out?
- Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum. Any longer and it's not a summary.
- Make it scannable. Use bullets, tables, and short paragraphs.
- Don't bury the lead. Put the key numbers upfront in your CIM format.
- Include the target keyword naturally. Example: "This confidential information memorandum presents..."
Example opening paragraph:
"This confidential information memorandum presents a rare opportunity to acquire the leading HVAC service provider in [County], serving over 2,400 residential and commercial clients with $1.8M in annual revenue and $485K in SDE. Established in 2008, the company has built an exceptional reputation through quality service, resulting in 68% recurring revenue from maintenance contracts and a 4.9-star Google rating from 340+ reviews."
Section 5: Investment Highlights
Here is where you justify the multiple in your business broker CIM template. Why should they pay 3.0x SDE instead of 2.5x?
CIM Template Investment Highlights Structure
Present 6-8 compelling, specific reasons to invest:
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
1. [Strong Financial Performance]
[2-3 sentences with specific metrics and trends]
2. [Recurring Revenue / Long-term Contracts]
[2-3 sentences with percentages and retention data]
3. [Diversified Customer Base]
[2-3 sentences with concentration metrics]
4. [Turnkey Operation]
[2-3 sentences on systems/processes/independence from owner]
5. [Growth Opportunities]
[2-3 sentences on specific, realistic opportunities]
6. [Competitive Advantages]
[2-3 sentences on defensible market position]
7. [Trained Team in Place]
[2-3 sentences on management depth and tenure]
8. [Owner Flexibility]
[2-3 sentences on actual owner hours and involvement level]
Strong vs. Weak Investment Highlights
Buyers hate fluff. Your CIM template needs specificity to build credibility.
Strong (Use This) | Weak (Avoid This) |
|---|---|
"Revenue grew 12% annually for 5 consecutive years" | "Growing business" |
"No single customer exceeds 8% of total revenue" | "Diversified customer base" |
"Gross margins of 62% vs. industry average 45%" | "Strong margins" |
"General Manager has run daily operations independently for 6 years" | "Experienced, trained staff" |
"68% of revenue from recurring maintenance contracts" | "Recurring revenue model" |
Pro tip: Every investment highlight should include at least one number. Numbers build confidence; adjectives raise skepticism.
Section 6: Company Overview
Context matters in your confidential information memorandum template. A business doing $1M in revenue started last year is risky; a business doing $1M in revenue started in 1985 is stable.
CIM Template Company Overview Structure
History & Background
- Year founded
- Founding story (brief—keep it relevant to the business, not just the owner's biography)
- Key milestones (facility expansion, major contract wins, etc.)
- Ownership history
- Evolution of the business model
Legal Structure
- Entity type (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.)
- State of incorporation
- DBA names if applicable
- Any subsidiary or affiliated entities
Location & Facilities
- Physical address (general area, not specific pre-LOI if highly sensitive)
- Facility description and layout
- Square footage and configuration
- Lease terms summary (years remaining, rate, escalations, options)
- Ownership status of real estate
Business Model
- How the business makes money (clear value proposition)
- Revenue streams and breakdown
- Customer acquisition model
- Service/delivery model
- Typical transaction size and frequency
Reason for Sale
- Honest, specific explanation. "Retirement" is fine, but "Retiring to Florida to be near grandchildren" is better. It removes the fear that they're selling because a major competitor is moving in or a highway bypass is being built.
- Owner's ideal transition timeline
- Level of owner involvement desired post-sale (most want out completely)
- Any time constraints (health, age, other business opportunities)
Why this section matters: This context helps buyers understand the business's stability and legitimacy. A 35-year-old business with the second-generation owner retiring is completely different from a 3-year-old business where the founder is "pursuing other opportunities."
Section 7: Products & Services in Your CIM Format
This section answers: "How does this business actually make money?" Your CIM template should make revenue generation crystal clear.
CIM Template Products & Services Structure
Overview Brief description of offerings and core value proposition to customers.
Product/Service Breakdown Table:
Offering | Description | Revenue | % Total | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Service A | Description | $XXX,XXX | XX% | XX% |
Service B | Description | $XXX,XXX | XX% | XX% |
Product C | Description | $XXX,XXX | XX% | XX% |
Total | $X,XXX,XXX | 100% | XX% |
For Each Major Offering:
- Detailed description (what it is, why customers buy it)
- Target customer profile
- Pricing approach and typical transaction size
- Competitive position (premium, mid-market, value)
- Growth trends (growing, stable, declining)
- Seasonality factors
Intellectual Property
- Proprietary products, processes, or methodologies
- Patents or trademarks (registered or pending)
- Trade secrets and know-how
- Software or systems developed in-house
Customer Contracts
- Types of agreements (one-time, recurring, multi-year)
- Contract terms and renewal rates
- Transferability of contracts
Pro tip: If one service line is declining, address it head-on in your business broker CIM template. Buyers will find it during due diligence anyway. Proactive honesty builds trust.
Section 8: Market & Competition
Show the buyer you understand the sandbox this business plays in. Your CIM template should demonstrate market knowledge without overwhelming with data.
CIM Template Market Analysis Structure
Industry Overview
- Industry definition and scope (be specific—"HVAC Services" is better than "Home Services")
- Market size and growth rate ([cite credible sources like IBISWorld, Statista])
- Key trends affecting the industry (technology, regulation, demographics)
- Regulatory environment and compliance requirements
Target Market
- Customer demographics or firmographics (who buys and why)
- Geographic market served (service radius, delivery area)
- Market segment focus (residential vs. commercial, etc.)
- Total addressable market size in the service area
Competitive Landscape
- Types of competitors (national chains, regional players, mom-and-pops)
- Company's market position and estimated market share
- Competitive advantages (what makes this business win)
- Barriers to entry (licenses, capital requirements, reputation)
Competitive Positioning Table:
Factor | Company | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
Price Point | Mid-market | Premium | Budget |
Service Level | High-touch | High-touch | Basic |
Geographic Reach | 3-county area | Single city | Statewide |
Specialization | HVAC only | Full mechanical | HVAC + Plumbing |
Years in Business | 16 years | 8 years | 22 years |
Market Trends Impact
- How industry trends create opportunities for this business
- Potential headwinds and how the business is positioned to handle them
Why buyers care: A business with 15% market share in a growing industry is worth more than one with 2% share in a declining industry, even with identical financials. Your confidential information memorandum template should make this context clear.
Section 9: Operations in Your CIM Template
This section answers the critical question: "What happens when the owner walks out the door?" Your CIM format should make operational continuity obvious.
Business Broker CIM Template Operations Structure
Daily Operations
- Hours of operation and seasonal variations
- Workflow overview (from lead generation to service delivery to payment)
- Customer interaction model (online, phone, in-person)
- Service delivery process step-by-step
- Owner's current role and hours (be honest)
Facilities & Equipment
- Facility description and layout (office, warehouse, showroom, etc.)
- Key equipment list with age and condition
- Critical: Note if major equipment needs replacement soon
- Technology systems (CRM, accounting, scheduling, etc.)
- Maintenance requirements and schedules
- Capacity utilization (running at 60% capacity signals growth opportunity)
Suppliers & Vendors
- Key supplier relationships and terms
- Purchasing processes and volume discounts
- Inventory management approach (if applicable)
- Supplier concentration risk (any single-source dependencies?)
- Transferability of supplier agreements
Staffing & Management
- Organizational chart
- Key employee roles, tenure, and compensation
- Manager capabilities and decision-making authority
- Employee retention rates
- Training programs and documentation
- Workforce flexibility (full-time, part-time, seasonal, contractors)
Quality & Compliance
- Quality control processes
- Required licenses and permits (and expiration dates)
- Industry certifications (ISO, professional certifications, etc.)
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Insurance coverage (and whether claims history is clean)
Technology & Systems
- Software systems used and whether they're industry-standard
- Process documentation and SOPs
- Customer database and CRM
- Digital presence (website, online booking, etc.)
Learn more: How to Present Business Operations in Your CIM
Pro tip: The more turnkey the operation appears in your CIM template, the higher multiple you can command. If the owner is involved in every decision, address the transition plan directly.
Section 10: Financial Performance - The Core of Your CIM Template
This is where the rubber meets the road in any CIM template business broker creates. If your add-backs are questionable, you lose trust. If your numbers tell a clear story, you build momentum toward an offer.
CIM Template Financial Section Structure
Three-Year Financial Summary Table:
Metric | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | YTD Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue | ||||
Cost of Goods Sold | ||||
Gross Profit | ||||
Gross Margin % | ||||
Operating Expenses | ||||
Net Income (Tax Return) | ||||
Add-backs | ||||
Seller's Discretionary Earnings | ||||
SDE Margin % |
Detailed SDE Calculation:
Your confidential information memorandum template must defend every add-back line item with clear explanations.
Item | Amount | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Net Income (per tax return) | $XXX,XXX | Line 21 of Schedule C |
Add-backs: | ||
+ Owner's Salary | $XXX,XXX | W-2 compensation above market rate of $XX,XXX |
+ Owner Health Insurance | $XX,XXX | Personal health insurance for owner/family |
+ Owner Retirement Contributions | $XX,XXX | 401(k) / SEP IRA contributions |
+ Owner Vehicle Expenses | $XX,XXX | Personal use portion of vehicle (XX%) |
+ Owner Travel & Entertainment | $XX,XXX | Personal meals, travel not business-related |
+ Depreciation | $XX,XXX | Non-cash expense (list major assets) |
+ Amortization | $X,XXX | Non-cash expense |
+ Interest Expense | $X,XXX | Financing choice of current owner |
+ One-time Expenses | $XX,XXX | [Itemize: legal fees for lawsuit, facility repair, etc.] |
= Adjusted SDE | $XXX,XXX |
Revenue Analysis
- Revenue by service line or product category (trend analysis)
- Seasonality patterns (monthly breakdown if significant)
- Customer concentration (top 10 customers as % of revenue)
- Recurring vs. one-time revenue breakdown
Expense Analysis
- Major expense categories as % of revenue
- Fixed vs. variable expense breakdown
- Comparison to industry benchmarks where available
- Cost control measures in place
Working Capital
- Typical accounts receivable days outstanding
- Inventory turns (if applicable)
- Accounts payable terms
- Required working capital estimate for new owner
Capital Expenditures
- Historical CapEx (last 3 years)
- Required CapEx for maintenance
- Deferred maintenance items and estimated costs
Financial Projections (Optional but Powerful)
- Conservative growth scenarios based on identified opportunities
- Required assumptions clearly stated
- Disclaimer that projections are not guaranteed
Learn more: CIM Financial Section: How to Present Financials
Critical for your CIM format: Include actual tax returns and P&Ls in the appendices. Summarize here, but provide backup documentation. Buyers trust numbers they can verify.
Section 11: Transaction Overview
End your business broker CIM template with clarity. What does the deal actually look like?
CIM Template Transaction Structure
Asking Price & Valuation
- Asking price: $X,XXX,XXX
- Implied multiple: X.Xx SDE (based on most recent 12 months)
- Proposed structure: Asset sale / Stock sale (and why)
- Valuation rationale (comparable sales, industry multiples, strategic value)
Assets Included in Sale:
- All business assets and goodwill
- Equipment and fixtures (reference detailed list in appendix)
- Inventory at cost (estimated $XX,XXX as of [date])
- All customer contracts and relationships
- Telephone numbers, website, domain names
- Social media accounts and online presence
- Intellectual property (trademarks, proprietary processes)
- Non-compete agreement (X years, X mile radius)
- Seller transition and training support
Assets Excluded from Sale:
- Cash and cash equivalents
- Accounts receivable (usually, or at a negotiated discount)
- Accounts payable and other liabilities
- Real estate (if applicable—separate transaction or lease)
- Owner's personal equipment or vehicles
- [Any other specific excluded items]
Financing Considerations:
- SBA loan eligibility: Yes/No (has it been pre-qualified?)
- Seller financing available: Yes/No
- If yes: Terms (X% down, X% interest, X-year term)
- Conventional financing options
- Estimated down payment requirement: XX% ($XXX,XXX)
Transition Support Plan:
- Training period: X weeks/months full-time, then X months part-time
- Specific training topics covered
- Post-closing consulting availability
- Non-compete and non-solicitation terms (years, geography, scope)
- Employee and customer introduction process
Due Diligence Process:
- Timeline expectations (typically 30-60 days)
- Required documentation will be provided (list key items)
- Facility tours and meetings with key employees
- Review of contracts, leases, and agreements
Next Steps for Interested Buyers:
- Submit Initial Questions - Reply with any questions after reviewing this CIM
- Schedule Discovery Call - Discuss opportunity in detail with broker
- Facility Tour - Visit the location and meet management (post-LOI)
- Submit Letter of Intent - Formal offer with proposed terms
- Due Diligence - 30-60 day comprehensive review period
- Purchase Agreement - Draft and negotiate final terms
- Closing - Typically 60-90 days from accepted LOI
Confidentiality Reminder: All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality. Please direct all questions to [Broker Name] at [Contact Info]. Do not contact the business directly.
CIM Template Formatting Guidelines
Don't let bad formatting kill a good deal. Your CIM format should look as professional as the business you're selling.
Typography Standards for Your CIM Template
- Section Headers: 16pt bold, consistent font family
- Subsection Headers: 14pt bold
- Body Text: 11-12pt regular weight
- Tables: 10-11pt for readability
- Font Family: Stick with professional options:
- Preferred: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica
- Avoid: Times New Roman (looks dated), decorative fonts
Layout Best Practices
- Margins: 1-inch on all sides (0.75-inch acceptable if space-constrained)
- Page Numbers: Bottom center or bottom right, starting after cover page
- Headers/Footers: Include "CONFIDENTIAL" and company name
- Section Breaks: Start major sections on new pages
- White Space: Don't cram content—readability matters
- Alignment: Left-align body text, center-align headers
Graphics & Visual Elements
- Photos: High-resolution only (minimum 150 DPI)
- Include: Facility exterior/interior, products, equipment
- Exclude: Low-quality smartphone photos, cluttered backgrounds
- Charts: Use for financial trends (revenue growth, margin trends)
- Tables: Essential for financial data, customer breakdowns, service mix
- Company Logo: Include in header/footer for branding
- Color Scheme: Professional and consistent (match company branding)
File Format & Distribution
- Format: PDF only (never send editable Word docs)
- File Size: Under 10MB if possible (compress large images)
- Security: Password-protect if containing highly sensitive data
- Naming Convention: "CIM - [Company Name] - [Month Year] - CONFIDENTIAL.pdf"
- Version Control: Include date on footer (Updated: [Date])
Pro tip: Create a master CIM template with your branding, standard disclaimers, and formatting already in place. You'll save 2-3 hours per deal by starting with a professional template instead of from scratch.
CIM Template Checklist: Quality Control
Before sending your confidential information memorandum template to a buyer, run through this checklist:
Content Completeness:
Accuracy:
Formatting:
Legal Protection:
Distribution:
Common CIM Template Mistakes to Avoid
After reviewing hundreds of CIMs from brokers, here are the most common mistakes that undermine your credibility:
Content Mistakes
1. Vague, Generic Investment Highlights
- Wrong: "Great growth potential"
- Right: "Expanded service area by 40% in 2023 with no additional marketing spend"
2. Unexplained or Aggressive Add-backs
- Wrong: Adding back $80K in "owner discretionary expenses" with no detail
- Right: Itemizing $15K travel, $22K above-market salary, $18K personal vehicle use, etc.
3. Ignoring Obvious Weaknesses
- Wrong: Not mentioning customer concentration when top 3 customers = 60% revenue
- Right: Addressing it directly and explaining retention rates, contract terms, relationship strength
4. Writing from Owner's Perspective Instead of Broker's
- Wrong: "I started this business in 2008..."
- Right: "The current owner founded the business in 2008..."
5. Over-promising in Growth Opportunities
- Wrong: "Could easily double revenue by adding second location"
- Right: "Demographic analysis shows opportunity for second location in [specific area], which would require estimated $XXX investment"
Formatting Mistakes
1. Inconsistent Design
- Using 5 different fonts and color schemes throughout
2. Low-Quality Images
- Including pixelated photos that scream "amateur"
3. Walls of Text
- Multi-page paragraphs with no breaks, bullets, or tables
4. Missing Page Numbers
- Making it impossible to reference specific sections
5. Sending Editable Word Docs
- Allowing buyers to modify your CIM and redistribute it
Strategic Mistakes
1. Sending Too Early
- Distributing CIM before buyer signs NDA and is pre-qualified
2. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
- Using identical CIM for strategic buyers and financial buyers when they care about different things
3. No Follow-Up System
- Sending CIM into the void with no tracking or follow-up process
4. Including Seller's Personal Info Too Early
- Putting owner's name and address in CIM before LOI (unnecessary risk)
Advanced CIM Template Strategies
Once you've mastered the standard CIM format, these advanced techniques can help you close more deals at higher multiples:
Customization by Buyer Type
Your confidential information memorandum template can be tailored without creating entirely separate documents:
For Strategic Buyers:
- Emphasize customer synergies and geographic expansion
- Highlight complementary service lines
- Focus on revenue growth potential through cross-selling
- Include detailed customer analysis
For Financial Buyers:
- Emphasize cash flow stability and SDE growth
- Highlight turnkey operations and management team
- Focus on owner absence and systems/processes
- Include detailed operational documentation
For First-Time Buyers:
- Emphasize training and support provided
- Highlight simple operations and low complexity
- Focus on lifestyle benefits and owner flexibility
- Include more detailed operational explanations
Data Room Strategy
Your CIM template should reference a data room for detailed backup documentation:
What Goes in the CIM:
- Summary financials and trends
- Key highlights and selling points
- Overview of operations
- High-level opportunity assessment
What Goes in the Data Room (Post-LOI):
- Complete tax returns (3-5 years)
- Detailed P&Ls and balance sheets
- Customer contracts and lists
- Vendor agreements
- Lease agreements
- Equipment lists with serial numbers
- Employee handbook and org charts
This two-tier approach keeps your CIM template focused while ensuring serious buyers can verify everything.
Visual Storytelling
Elevate your business broker CIM template with strategic visuals:
Before & After Photos:
- Show facility improvements made by current owner
- Demonstrate product evolution
Growth Charts:
- Revenue and SDE trends over 5+ years
- Customer acquisition trends
- Market share gains
Process Flows:
- Customer journey from lead to repeat customer
- Service delivery workflow
- Quality control process
Geographic Maps:
- Service area coverage
- Customer concentration by region
- Expansion opportunity areas
Infographics:
- Customer demographics
- Revenue mix by service line
- Seasonal patterns
Related Resources for Business Brokers
Essential CIM Writing Guides:
- CIM Financial Section: How to Present Financials - Deep dive on financial presentation
- CIM Operations Section: Best Practices - How to present business operations effectively
- CIM Confidentiality: Protecting Your Listings - Confidentiality best practices
CIM Strategy & Timing:
- CIM vs. Teaser vs. Pitch Book: What's the Difference? - Understanding different deal documents
- When to Send the CIM - Timing and sequencing strategy
Buyer Qualification:
Key Takeaways: CIM Template for Business Brokers
Essential Structure:
- Use the proven 11-section CIM template framework for consistency
- Keep Main Street CIMs to 20-30 pages total
- Write the executive summary last after completing all other sections
Content Quality:
- Replace vague adjectives with specific numbers and metrics
- Explain every SDE add-back with clear justification
- Address weaknesses proactively rather than hiding them
- Maintain broker perspective throughout (never write as the owner)
Professional Presentation:
- Invest in clean, professional CIM format and design
- Use high-quality photos and charts to tell visual stories
- Always distribute as password-protected PDF, never Word docs
- Include comprehensive disclaimers and confidentiality language
Strategic Distribution:
- Only send to pre-qualified buyers who signed NDAs
- Customize emphasis for different buyer types (strategic vs. financial)
- Implement tracking system to monitor distribution
- Follow up within 3-5 days of sending
Efficiency:
- Create master CIM template with your branding and standard sections
- Build library of reusable language for common business types
- Develop checklist to ensure consistency and quality
- Use data room strategy to keep CIM focused while providing depth
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