The perils and pitfalls of earn-outs

The perils and pitfalls of earn outs

Earn-outs are a growing topic of conversation in the world of business sales. Since 2020, the use of earn-out agreements has increased, mainly due to restrictions on business operations during the global pandemic and the economic uncertainty that ensued. Unknown factors made it unclear how much of a business’ earning potential would return. Five years […]

What will life be like after exiting your business?

What will life be like after exiting your business?

Selling your business is fraught with more emotion than you could ever imagine. With so much sentiment tied up in the enterprise you built, post-exit life can be tough. Once you’ve completed the deal to sell your company, you might go on a big blowout holiday to celebrate. Life is good! But when you return, […]

What happens to a family business when the owner dies?

What happens to a family business when the owner dies?

The death of a business owner isn’t the most uplifting topic, but it is vitally important if you own a family business (or a share of one.) Family businesses tend to blur the lines between professional and personal interests, which can also leave them exposed when an owner passes away. Thinking about your wishes now […]

Think like a buyer: what’s going on in the mind of a prospective buyer?

Think like a buyer

Wouldn’t it be great if you could read the mind of the person who wants to buy your business? Being able to foresee your buyer’s thoughts and understand what they’re looking for in a business would certainly accelerate the pace of negotiations. When it comes to pre-empting buyer intentions, nobody is a mind reader. But, […]

Fees for selling a business: the complete list

This article was originally posted on 15th of December 2020 and has been updated.    What does it cost to sell a business? Well, it depends on your attitude to risk and the selling approach you choose. The most common professional costs of selling a business include legal fees, accountancy fees, and business broker fees. […]

Recommended reading when planning your business exit

Recommended reading when planning your business exit

If you don’t do your research before selling your business, at some stage you’ll get caught out – which could have consequences for your reputation and the integrity of your business. We’ve compiled this reading list for business owners that want to enter into the business sale and exit process armed with resources, knowledge and […]

Looking back is a key component of your exit plan

Looking back is a key component of your exit plan

This is the time of year when we’re bombarded with phrases designed to improve our lives and boost our businesses – planning for success, the perfect exit strategy, organisation and optimisation, changing habits and becoming financially healthier. These are all themes we’ve come across in recent weeks, which are designed to inspire, but can easily […]

Selling a wholesale or distribution business

Selling a wholesale or distribution business

From textiles and clothing to food and drink, electronics and gifts, there are specialist wholesalers for every kind of product. UK wholesalers play a key role in our retail supply chain, buying products for a low price and profiting from selling them on in bulk at a higher cost. The big question is, what would […]

How to tell staff you are selling your business

How-to-tell-staff-you-are-selling-your-business

Staff are a valuable business asset, especially during the business sale process. Your employees’ knowledge, skills and experience all contribute towards overall business value and the price a potential buyer is prepared to offer. Considering the needs and job security of your team when selling your business is key to protecting their interests and minimising […]

How to evaluate an offer to buy your business

How to evaluate an offer to buy your business.

Congratulations, you’ve received a formal offer to buy your business! What happens next? How do you know whether the offer you’ve received is offering the best value and terms for you and your business? Evaluating an offer takes thorough due diligence, good communication and careful consideration. It’s not like accepting an offer to buy your […]