What documents will a buyer ask for?
Short answer
Expect corporate records, 3 years of financials and tax returns, key contracts, employee agreements, IP ownership and insurance. The goal is to open a data room within 48 hours.
What to know
- Missing documents are findings in themselves.
- Contracts with change-of-control clauses need early attention.
- Organize by area with a master index.
What to do next
- 1Work through the diligence checklist.
- 2Note anything you cannot find in 48 hours.
- 3Close those gaps first.
Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.