How to Evaluate an Acquisition Offer from a Competitor Without Putting Your Business at Risk

If you run a start-up or small business, you will likely be approached at some point by a third party that expresses interest in acquiring your business. But how do you know if the interest being expressed is genuine or if it is being made for a reason other than wanting to do a deal with you? And what if that party is a competitor? Obviously, doing deals with a competitor pose a particular risk given the proprietary information that may be shared during due diligence.
This Forbes article linked below provides some excellent advice on considerations you should make when approached by a competitor about a proposed acquisition:

How to Handle an Acquisition Offer from a Competitor