Closings fail on logistics more often than on substance, and the mechanics deserve a written plan.
Simultaneous or deferred. Signing and closing at once where no third-party approvals are needed; a deferred closing where regulatory clearance, consents or financing must be obtained, which requires interim operating covenants and conditions.
The closing checklist. Every document, who signs, who delivers, and the condition it satisfies. Maintained by one person and circulated daily in the final week.
Conditions precedent. Representations true at closing to the specified standard; covenants performed; no material adverse change; required consents and approvals; releases of liens; and delivery of specified certificates.
Funds flow. A single statement showing every payment, source and destination, with wire instructions verified by telephone to a known number. Payment fraud in closings is common and preventable only by out-of-band verification.
Escrow and pre-closing deliverables confirmed in advance.
Signature logistics. Electronic signatures where permitted, with attention to documents that must be notarised, recorded or delivered in original.
Release mechanics. Documents held in escrow pending confirmation of funds, released on a call among counsel.
Post-closing. Recordings, filings, notices to counterparties, and a completed closing binder within weeks rather than months.