Selling a business
Thinking of selling your company?
We support business owners in the UK and across Europe in selling their company — from the first conversation, often years before the decision, through to signing.
When it happens
A sale rarely starts with a decision.
It starts with a circumstance. These are the ones that most often bring an owner to a first conversation.
01
Succession unresolved
The children took another path and the company needs continuity.
02
An unexpected offer
Someone approached you and you want to know whether the price makes sense before replying.
03
A partner wants out
Liquidity for some and continuity for others, while keeping the company whole.
04
The company needs scale
Growing calls for capital or an industrial partner who brings market access.
05
The time has come
After decades, you want to step back and secure what you built.
06
The sector is consolidating
Selling at the right point in the cycle is worth more than selling well too late.
Still weighing it up
The most useful conversation happens before the decision.
Most owners we speak with take one or two years between the first conversation and the sale. That time is what allows the company to be prepared to be worth more.
- Know what the company is worth today, and what holds it back
- Understand what kind of buyer looks for companies like yours
- Decide calmly, instead of reacting to an offer
How it works
Four stages, with real timings.
- First conversation Where you are today, what you want and a first read on value.
- Preparation in 4 to 8 weeks Figures organised and an anonymous pack that describes the company while keeping its name confidential.
- Buyer approach in 8 to 12 weeks One-by-one approach, under confidentiality signed before the name is revealed.
- Negotiation and closing in 4 to 8 months Support through to signing, with due diligence run from our side.
First step