Exit strategy - Media attention.

Hey all,

I'm completing sale of my online business ( not business assets ). Due diligence is done, contracts are ready to sign, just one problem. I'm well known "businessman" in my town and I've just received messages from my team that media is looking for more information about this deal ( company is private. ) I can't find person(s) who leaked information that my business is up for sale, ughh this is frustrating. I'm trying to protect my privacy as much as I can being business owner. I knew that local media will publish something about me and my business sale due to press releases, but never thought they'll try to pay someone to get exact details about sale. I don't want to become a target ( paranoia? maybe. ) because of windfall from my business sale.

What steps would you take to protect yourself from media?

I would contact a lawyer who in turn will get a gagging order (and if needed a protection order).

Assuming you get the gagging order granted (it is in most cases) this results in:

(a) People associated with the sale (or work in some way with the company) cannot talk to friends and media etc (if they do they will be in contempt and get jailed or fined).
(b) Media wont be allowed to discuss or publish the sale etc


There you go..problem solved.

don't talk to them, just ignore them like they don't exist or get a lawyer

Just tell them you can't discuss anything until the sale is over with a smile on your face. End of story.

and when it is over, tell them you still can't discuss it. Tell them bit and pieces that are widely known if they keep bugging you but don't give them any hard facts. This is how many start-ups and companies handle media pre-ipo, yet still get interviews.