Every business owner should have one eye on their eventual exit. If it’s planned properly, a sale can reward you with the capital sum you deserve for years of hard work.
Exit planning isn’t something to leave until the last minute it’s a process that ideally starts years in advance. This gives you time to build the right structure, make the business more attractive to buyers, and explore all your exit routes.
It’s also worth being clear on what your ideal exit looks like. Do you want a complete break, or would you prefer to stay involved in some capacity? Once that’s defined, you can work backwards setting out when to start preparing, marketing, and approaching potential buyers.
Where will your buyer come from?
Buyers typically fall into a few main groups:
- Family members — keeping the business in the family, which raises tax and succession planning questions.
• Trade buyers or investors — competitors, suppliers, or equity backers looking to expand.
• Individuals or management teams — people who want to run an established business rather than start from scratch.
Each route has its own requirements, from governance and tax planning to presenting the right commercial story. We guide clients through these options using our Exit Route Map — helping you decide which direction best suits your goals.
How long does a sale take?
A straightforward business sale can take 6–12 months from marketing to completion, but the best results usually come from years of preparation.
The timeline depends on:
• How many suitable buyers exist for your business
• How ready your financial and operational records are
• The current M&A market conditions
Rushing rarely works in your favour. Allowing time to prepare properly and to run a structured, competitive process — will almost always result in a stronger valuation and better deal terms.
Finding the right buyer
It’s not just a case of “listing” your business and waiting. A targeted approach is key:
- Understand your market — different buyers have different motivations.
- Run a structured process — build a story around your business, identify the right parties, and manage confidentiality carefully.
- Work with the right professionals — M&A advisers, accountants and lawyers experienced in business sales can make a huge difference.
As part of The Corporate Finance Network, we have access to leading databases and buyer networks to identify potential acquirers who may be interested in your company.
What if someone has already approached you?
Being approached by a potential buyer can be exciting — but it’s important not to rush in. Exploring the wider market still matters, because:
- You protect your valuation — competition helps secure a fair price.
• You gain negotiation leverage — multiple offers improve both value and deal structure.
• You reduce risk — if one buyer pulls out, you have others in the pipeline.
• You find the best cultural fit — the first buyer isn’t always the right long-term home for your team or clients.
Running a controlled process doesn’t mean dozens of conversations — it means having options, so you can be confident you’ve achieved the best outcome.
Final thoughts
Selling a business is one of the biggest milestones in your career. With the right planning, advice, and timing, you can make sure you not only find a buyer — but find the right one, on the right terms.
