Your Roadmap

What to Expect: The VetLink Process

From first conversation to post-close transition. No surprises, no hidden steps, no pressure. Here is exactly how a VetLink partnership unfolds.

See the Steps

"The process should feel like a partnership from day one. If it does not, you are talking to the wrong buyer."

A process designed around you, not us

Most practice owners have never sold a business before. The uncertainty is what keeps people frozen for years. We designed our process to be transparent at every stage so you always know exactly where you are, what comes next, and what is expected.

Typical timeline: 90 days from first conversation to closing.

1
Week 1

Initial Conversation

This is not a pitch. It is a conversation. We want to understand your practice, your goals, and where you are in thinking about the future. You want to understand who we are, how we operate, and whether our values align with yours.

There is no obligation, no NDA required at this stage, and no pressure. Most of our partners told us they knew within the first call whether this felt right.

  • 30-60 minute call at your convenience
  • We share our story, you share yours
  • Discuss your practice, timeline, and priorities
  • Answer every question you have (bring them all)
2
Week 2-3

Practice Evaluation and Valuation

If both sides feel good about the initial conversation, we move to understanding your practice at a deeper level. We review your financials, operations, and market position to build a fair and transparent valuation.

This is not adversarial. We walk you through every assumption and adjustment so you understand exactly how we arrive at our number.

  • Review trailing 3 years of financial statements
  • Calculate adjusted EBITDA with full transparency
  • Evaluate market position, patient demographics, and growth potential
  • Discuss any add-backs or adjustments with you directly
3
Week 3-4

Letter of Intent

The LOI outlines the key deal terms: purchase price, structure, earnout (if any), your role post-close, and transition expectations. It is a non-binding agreement that signals mutual intent to move forward.

We draft LOIs in plain language. No 40-page documents filled with legalese. You should be able to read it, understand it, and discuss it with your spouse or advisor without needing a translator.

  • Clear purchase price and payment structure
  • Your post-close role and compensation
  • Staff retention commitments
  • Timeline and key milestones
  • Exclusivity period for due diligence
4
Week 4-8

Due Diligence and Quality of Earnings

This is where we verify the financials and operations. A third-party accounting firm conducts a Quality of Earnings (QoE) analysis. We also review legal, operational, and clinical documentation.

This phase can feel invasive, but we approach it with respect. We are not looking for reasons to renegotiate. We are confirming what we already believe based on our evaluation.

  • Third-party Quality of Earnings analysis
  • Legal review (leases, contracts, licenses)
  • Operational review (staffing, equipment, technology)
  • Clinical data review (patient trends, revenue mix)
  • We handle most of the heavy lifting, not you
5
Week 8-10

Deal Structuring

Based on diligence findings, we finalize the deal structure. This includes the purchase agreement, employment terms, non-compete provisions, and any earnout or rollover equity components.

We use experienced veterinary M&A counsel who understand the nuances of practice sales. We recommend you have your own attorney review everything. We want you to feel confident, not rushed.

  • Purchase agreement drafted by experienced M&A counsel
  • Employment or consulting agreement for your post-close role
  • Working capital and transition provisions
  • Clear definitions for any performance-based components
  • Time for your advisors to review and negotiate
6
Week 10-12

Closing

Closing day is a milestone, not a finish line. Funds transfer, documents are signed, and the partnership officially begins. Most of our closings are straightforward because the hard work happened in earlier stages.

We celebrate this moment with you. You have spent decades building something meaningful. Closing should feel like the beginning of a new chapter, not the end of one.

  • Final document execution
  • Wire transfer of closing proceeds
  • Staff notification (coordinated together, on your terms)
  • Client communication plan (your voice, your message)
7
Ongoing

Post-Close Transition and Support

This is where most buyers disappear. This is where VetLink shows up. We provide hands-on operational support, back-office infrastructure, and strategic guidance while you continue doing what you do best: practicing medicine.

The first 90 days are critical. We have a dedicated transition team that works alongside you to ensure continuity for your staff, your clients, and your operations.

  • Dedicated transition support for first 90 days
  • Back-office relief (accounting, HR, compliance)
  • Growth strategy development (new services, marketing, hiring)
  • Peer network access with other VetLink partner practices
  • Regular check-ins (monthly for year one, quarterly thereafter)

The full timeline, 90 days

Intro Wk 1
Evaluation Wk 2-3
LOI Wk 3-4
Diligence Wk 4-8
Structuring Wk 8-10
Close Wk 10-12
Transition Ongoing

What You Can Expect From Us

Transparency. You will never be surprised by a term, a timeline change, or a renegotiation tactic. We tell you what we know, when we know it.

Respect for your time. You are running a practice while navigating this process. We handle the heavy lifting and minimize disruption to your day-to-day.

Honest communication. If something in diligence raises a question, we discuss it openly. We do not use findings as leverage to reduce the price.

What We Ask From You

Honesty. Share the good and the challenges. The more transparent you are, the smoother the process. Surprises in diligence slow everything down.

Responsiveness. When we need documents or answers, timely responses keep the process moving. We will be equally responsive to you.

An open mind. The structure that works best may not be the one you expected. We will explain our reasoning and always listen to yours.

Not a typical acquisition process

No Broker Required

You can work with a broker if you choose, and we will cooperate fully. But we also work directly with practice owners. Many of our partners prefer the simplicity of a direct conversation.

No Bidding Wars

We do not compete on price alone. We compete on values, partnership structure, and long-term fit. If your primary criterion is the highest offer, we may not be the right buyer.

No Surprises

Our LOI terms are the terms we close on. We do not use diligence to chip away at the price. What we agree to is what we deliver.

The first step is always a conversation.

No NDAs, no commitments, no pressure. Just a straightforward discussion about your practice, your goals, and whether VetLink is the right fit. Most practice owners tell us they knew within the first call.

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