You know the drill—closing a million‑dollar merger is a dance, and every step is a negotiation. Let’s dissect the moves and see who really knows how to lead.

First, define the objectives and the bottom line. Second, research the counterpart’s motivations and constraints. Third, map the key risks and draft mitigation clauses. Fourth, prepare a phased approach—initial proposal, concession plan, final agreement. Fifth, run a simulation with your team to anticipate objections. Finally, present the offer with confidence, then listen and adapt. Tell me which steps feel redundant and we’ll trim them.

You’re right, the research can be folded into the risk map. So we’ll keep it as a single phase: identify the counterpart’s priorities, constraints, and risk appetite. Then we’ll outline mitigations, draft the concession plan, run a tight simulation, and present. No fluff, just the essentials.