M&A consideration structure simulator

See how enterprise value splits across cash at close, seller note and contingent tranche — and what total return looks like once you adjust for time and risk.

Maximum total consideration = Cash at closing + Seller note (principal + interest) + Contingent amount

Split enterprise value across tranches; the contingent amount is the residual to reach 100%.

%
%
35 % (calculated)
% annual
years

$2,250,000.00

Cash at closing

Principal: $7,500,000.00

Annual interest: $900,000.00

Total interest (3 years): $2,700,000.00

Total note: $10,200,000.00

Monthly payment (simple): $283,333.33

$5,250,000.00

Subject to post-closing conditions. May be reduced by liabilities or failure to meet metrics.

Cash at closing$2,250,000.0015 %High
Seller note — principal$7,500,000.0050 %Medium
Seller note — interest$2,700,000.00Medium
Contingent amount (maximum)$5,250,000.0035 %Low
Maximum total consideration$17,700,000.00100 %
Closing
$2,250,000.00
Cash at closing
Year 1–3
$10,200,000.00
Seller note (monthly payments)
Month 12–24
$5,250,000.00
Contingent (if conditions are met)

Maximum total consideration: $17,700,000.00

Cash guaranteed at closing: $2,250,000.00 (12.71 % of total)

The seller note and contingent amount have a present value below nominal. Cash at closing is the only amount without counterparty or performance risk.

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What other tools and guides to review?

This simulator is a reference tool; real terms depend on business risk profile, negotiated structure and market conditions. To see how each tranche fits the deal, see the guide to structuring a seller note in Mexico; definitions: earn-out and LOI.

Sources

Consideration structure (cash at close, seller note, contingent tranche) and present-value criteria draw on M&A practice and seller-financing guidance:

  • Morgan & Westfield. "M&A Seller Financing: A Complete Guide." 2023. Available online.
  • Advisor Legacy. "How to Structure a Seller Note: Smart Seller Financing for Buying a Business." 2022. Available online.
  • Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. "How Seller Financing Can Get a Deal across the Finish Line." 2020. Lexology. Available online.
M&A consideration structure simulator | Capital En Orden