Decision Readiness Review
For founders, boards and shareholders
A structured KLV review, typically following the Decision Readiness Checklist 🗗 or an initial conversation, for situations that need more formal judgement before a route is taken further. It is a defined piece of advisory work, with scope and fee agreed in advance.
What it is
A focused KLV review designed to clarify the decision, test the logic of the likely routes, and identify what should usually be settled before a formal process begins. It is intended for situations where a checklist or an initial conversation is not sufficient on its own.
When it usually follows
A Decision Readiness Review usually follows either internal use of the Decision Readiness Checklist 🗗 or an initial conversation with KLV, where the situation would benefit from more structured analysis before a formal process begins.
When it is useful
A route is being discussed, but conviction is not yet firm.
Different stakeholders appear to want different things.
An unsolicited approach has been received and the implications are still unclear.
A board wants to test the logic of a route before momentum builds.
What it covers
The underlying objective
The viable routes and obvious alternatives
The five anchors: price, control, timing, people and legacy
Stakeholder alignment and readiness
What should usually be settled before the market is engaged
What clients receive
A focused discussion led by KLV
A clear external view on the situation
A concise summary of the main decision issues and likely next steps, if helpful
Typical outcomes
- Proceed towards a mandate
- Do further internal preparation first
- Test a different route
- Decide that no immediate process is warranted
What it is not
It is not an exploratory conversation and it is not a disguised sale process or fundraising mandate. Sometimes the outcome is a transaction. Sometimes the value lies in clarifying the decision before any process begins.
Commercial position
An initial conversation is usually exploratory. A Decision Readiness Review is a separate piece of paid advisory work. Scope and fee are agreed clearly in advance.
What to do next
If the situation is active now, an initial conversation can help determine whether a Decision Readiness Review is the right starting point. A review may lead to a mandate, but it may equally lead to further preparation, a different route, or no immediate process at all.
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