With the NFL playoffs in full swing, each week is a full-throttle battle defined by toughness and skill. Hard work, preparation and perseverance are elements that carry a team to the super bowl.

This arduous journey, through weeks of games, teamwork and practice help define a team’s character and strength—as well as their preparedness. Preparation for the Super Bowl can well be compared to a company’s efforts in accomplishing a merger or acquisition. The world of M&A is not for the faint of heart and requires strength and extreme preparedness.

Due diligence and financial strength are what a business owner must accomplish and prove for most any M&A deal to go through. The business owners, lenders, and employees of the company must work together, as a well-schooled team, to complete the acquisition process and make it to the end goal.