It’s easy to neglect a stakeholder group, particularly if that stakeholder group isn’t one that you have frequent direct interaction with, or they don’t play a direct role in a particular project or transaction that you’re working on. But every stakeholder has a role to play at some stage In any project, transaction or strategy and it is important that they are front of mind from the outset.

Founders have naturally dedicated countless years toward building a successful product or service offering and raising capital. Once they have kicked some huge goals in both fields, M&A is now on their radar. While every situation is different, I thought to consolidate some general principles which I think are good practice and should have broad application for start-ups considering M&A.