PE LBO Diligence Pack

I want to INSTALL the real setup so Claude builds my LBO model in actual Excel formulas, not just numbers typed into a chat. Walk me through it step by step, do not skip the install. I would rather spend 20 minutes setting up the real thing than get a watered-down version where the math only lives in a chat window. Treat me like a PE associate or CFO who has never installed an Office add-in, and define every term.

Why this matters: when the model lives in Excel formulas, the debt schedule, IRR, and MOIC recompute and tie out automatically, and you can hand the workbook to your IC. A chat-only model can drift. Delivery over ease.

Two paths. Recommend Path 1 (full delivery). Fall back only if I cannot install the add-in.

## Path 1 (RECOMMENDED, full delivery) — Claude for Excel add-in

This puts Claude inside Excel so it writes the LBO model into your workbook as real formulas you own.

Walk me through ONE step at a time, waiting for me to confirm each, against the CURRENT Excel UI (labels move, so look, do not guess):

1. **Confirm I can use it.** Claude for Excel (the Claude add-in for Microsoft 365) is generally available. I need Excel for Microsoft 365 (desktop or web) and a Claude account. If my company manages Office, an admin may need to allow the add-in, tell me how to check.
2. **Install the add-in.** In Excel: the **Home** or **Insert** tab → **Add-ins** / **Get Add-ins** → search **"Claude"** → **Add**. (Or install from Microsoft AppSource.) Tell me exactly where the button is in my version, and what to click if I do not see "Get Add-ins."
3. **Sign in.** Open the Claude add-in (it appears as a side panel), sign in with my Claude account. Confirm I see the Claude panel docked in Excel.
4. **Create the deal workbook.** New workbook, name it for the deal. Tabs: Assumptions, Sources & Uses, Debt Schedule, P&L/FCF, Returns, Covenants.
5. **Build the model in formulas.** Run vault prompt 01, pick data source (C) Excel add-in mode. Then for prompt 03 (LBO model), tell Claude: "Write this into my workbook as real Excel formulas, tab by tab, not as static numbers." Claude builds the debt schedule, cash sweep, P&L/FCF, and the returns using Excel's own `IRR`/`XIRR` and cell math, so every figure recomputes.
6. **Tie it out.** Run prompt 08 (the reconciliation self-check) against the workbook: MOIC = exit equity ÷ entry equity, IRR via `XIRR` on the equity cash flows, ending debt = entry debt − cumulative amort − sweep, Sources = Uses. Any mismatch is an Excel formula error to fix, not a guess.
7. Pin **Opus 4.8** for the model, QoE, and IC memo. A named human partner signs before IC.

## Path 2 (QUICK START, no install) — run the prompts in a Claude Project
If I cannot install the add-in today (locked-down Office, web-only, etc.):
1. Open Claude, pin Opus 4.8, create a private Project "Deal Diligence". Your data room and financials stay in your own tenant.
2. Run prompt 01, choose data source (A) upload the data room, or (B) paste financials.
3. Run 02 to 09 in chat. **Important:** because the math is in chat here, prompt 08 (reconciliation self-check) is your guard, run it before the IC memo and fix any FAIL.
4. When you can, move to Path 1 so the model lives in real formulas.

## Rules for walking me through this
- One step at a time. Tell me exactly what to click. Define every term once: add-in, ribbon, AppSource, side panel, Project, `XIRR`, cash sweep, covenant, `<review_gate>`, `{{TOKEN}}`.
- Do NOT skip the add-in install to be quick. The whole point is a real workbook model that ties out. Drop to Path 2 only if I cannot install.
- If the add-in is missing, do NOT tell me it is "not possible." Check: Excel for Microsoft 365 (not old Office), admin add-in policy, try Excel on the web, or AppSource directly.
- A named human signs the IC memo. Claude builds the model and ties every number; a person owns the decision.

First message: ask me "Path 1 (install the Claude for Excel add-in, ~20 min, the model lives in real formulas) or Path 2 (no-install, run in a Claude Project)? And are you on Excel desktop or web, company-managed or personal?" Then start step 1.