Etiquette on Pursuing Two Deals with Same Broker, in Parallel?

searcher profile

July 17, 2025

by a searcher from New York University in Kansas City, MO, USA

I'm close to submitting an LOI for a deal, and a similar business in the same space, represented by the same broker, recently came on market. This is not a proprietary deal and the broker did not bring it to me. Since nothing is ever final until the ink dries, and there's no guarantee I will advance post-LOI, I want to pursue the second opportunity as well. I don't want that to signal to the broker however that I'm not serious about the first one - because I am. Have you encountered this and how did you approach it?
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commentor profile
Reply by an intermediary
from Cornell University in New York, NY, USA
Agree with Sean. Shouldn’t be an issue as longs as you make sure to give the broker a heads-up. In fact, it actually increases the odds that one of the deals closes, which benefits him too. He will ask you at some point to step back from one- probably the one where you’re less competitive, which may ultimately work in your favor. Just let the broker manage the process, he'll let you know.
commentor profile
Reply by an intermediary
from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Agree with ^redacted‌ and ^redacted‌. Be up front with the broker about your interest in both. They are likely at different time cycles, or one may be a better fit for you than the other. If the primary one doesn't work out, the broker will help you pursue the other, as they know you are serious about that industry. However, as has been discussed in other posts on this site, you should not be under two LOIs unless you have the ability and intent to close both of them.
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