Clarify the transaction
Selling shares in a company differs from the company selling selected assets. Explain the proposed structure and identify the parties and interest involved. The legal and tax team should establish the relevant treatment. The valuation brief then needs to fit that proposed transaction and intended use.
Look beyond the headline offer
Ask which amounts are payable on completion, deferred or dependent on performance. Identify whether the proposal includes adjustments for cash, debt or working capital under the agreed terms. A headline value is not automatically the cash available to you, and personal proceeds may involve further tax and cost considerations.
Prepare a practical first brief
Describe the holding, reason for sale, timing and information available. Include current trading changes or dependencies that the advisers need to understand. Do not send confidential documents through the initial form. A scoped discussion can identify the analysis needed without promising a buyer, offer or completion.