The LMM M&A reference library
Templates, checklists, calculators, and guides for lower middle market sell side M&A. Every resource is free, built from real deals, and ready to use. No email gate.
Templates
Deal documents built with LMM private equity operators. Download, rebrand, use.
CIM Template (Full)
28 page CIM template for LMM sell side processes. Tells the story, defends the valuation.
CIM Template Outline
11 CIM sections with item level checklists, recommended charts, and a common mistakes catalog.
Teaser Template
One page blind teaser with a tight financial summary and the level of anonymity that actually protects the seller.
Investor Presentation Template
The sell side pitch deck structure boutique bankers use to win mandates.
M&A NDA Template
Mutual NDA standard form for sell side processes. Confidentiality, use restrictions, non solicitation, term.
Data Room Folder Structure
12 top level folders and 80+ sub folders mapped to standard buyer diligence requests, with sector variations and permission tiers.
Checklists and trackers
Process control from first outreach to wire confirmation.
LOI Checklist
Clause by clause LOI review: the 6 phrases buyers slip in, the 3 Term Lock framework, and rewrites.
Sell Side Diligence Prep Checklist
Prep mapped to the six buyer workstreams: financial, legal, commercial, operational, IT, and HR.
Sell Side Closing Checklist
The 90 line items practitioners track from definitive agreement to wire.
Buyer Outreach Tracker
Manage LMM auctions across PE platforms, search funds, strategics, family offices, and independents.
Calculators and worksheets
Worked numbers for the deal terms that move money.
Working Capital Escrow Calculator
Models the post close working capital true up. Inputs: deal size, peg, escrow. Outputs: who owes what.
Sell Side QofE Scope Worksheet
Provider brief checklist, EBITDA bridge requirements, and working capital analysis scope.
Earnout Structuring Matrix
Common payout tiers, milestone definitions, and contingent consideration ranges for LMM earnouts.
Guides
Negotiation and process guides written from real LMM deals.
5 Keys to Market Reviews
How to scope and time a market check, and the five signals that swing valuation.
4 Things to Look For in IOIs
How to read non binding bids and distinguish real offers from sandbags.
How to Win in Buyer Meetings
Pre meeting checklist, the question playbook, and post meeting follow up.
Mastering M&A Leverage
When to walk a buyer back, multi bidder dynamics in practice, and pacing tactics.
Covenants That Keep Deals On Track
Interim operating covenants, no shop and exclusivity, and the clauses that hold between signing and close.
Building Credibility and Control
The process discipline that wins sell side M&A: set buyer expectations early, run a controlled cadence.
Go deeper
The LockRoom blog covers the mechanics behind these resources: working capital pegs, QofE scope, earnout structures, and the sell side process end to end. Choosing a data room? See the VDR comparisons or LockRoom pricing.