What should a recruiting agency do about its job-board subscriptions before a sale?

Start with a full list: each board, what it provides, the renewal date and who pays. Check for subscriptions that renew automatically so no surprise charge lands after you hand over. Include small ones that were set up by a recruiter and may not be on your books.

Next, check ownership. Some accounts are held in a staff member’s name or tied to a personal email. If that person leaves, the login goes with them. Move accounts to a company address before the buyer starts reviewing them. Finally, keep records of what was posted, to whom and with what result, since that history shows a buyer how the agency attracts candidates and may be worth keeping beyond closing.

Then look at usefulness. Ask which boards actually produce placements and which have been quiet. A buyer will probably ask, and a clear answer helps. Do not cancel anything the buyer relies on without discussing it first. Check the terms for transferring or ending each subscription. Your lawyer can tell you what the agreements allow and how to handle any that cannot be assigned. Agree in writing who bears the cost between signing and closing.

Key takeaways

• List every board with renewal date, payer and whose name holds the account.
• Move accounts held by individuals to company logins early.
• Agree with the buyer in writing which subscriptions to keep or end.