Conducting a business deal can be a lot to think about, and when it comes to negotiating the terms of your company, then there can be a number of concerns you will want to bring up. You want to make the deal favorable to both you and those you are planning a merger or acquisition with, which is why you want to make sure you have a clear plan when it comes to negotiations.

Here are four tips to help you feel confident in the final agreement of your merger or acquisition.

1. Have a place to store documents

You will be dealing with a lot of files when it comes to your business dealings, and in order to keep track of everything, you might want to consider your contract lifecycle management. You should make these documents available in a place where everyone who will be working on negotiations can see them and make changes, but you also want to know that the environment will be secure and that they won’t be shared unnecessarily.

2. Go into it with a positive attitude

Going into negotiations with a smile can make a big difference when it comes to the success of your merger or acquisition. The more you are unwilling to work with your potential new business partners, the more likely you are going to create a tense atmosphere—and you will be less likely to get what you want. Be open to granting them some of the things that they want, and recognize that even if you plan on leaving the company, you are likely still going to have to work with them for a few months until the business is handed over.

3. Think outside the box

You might need to think of solutions that work outside the scope of a typical merger or acquisition. A boiler plate contract might not cover any additional agreements you have with employees, investors, and contractors, so you will need to keep this in mind during the negotiating process. This is why having quality legal counsel can make a big difference—they can provide you with some alternative solutions and recommendations in order to make the transition go a lot smoother than simply using a template.

4. Have an exit strategy

One of the most difficult parts of conducting negotiations when it comes to a merger or acquisition is how you are planning on handing over your business. Are you looking to take your time and make the transition over a period of months? Or will your new business partners immediately take over? These are things you will want to discuss and make clear so that when the time comes, everyone knows their roles and what to expect.

In summary

By having a plan going into your merger or acquisition, you are much more likely to be happy with the final results and to have a positive relationship with your business partners. When you follow these tips, you are setting yourself up for successful negotiations when it comes to your company.