Trade Sale
Selling your business to another company is known as a trade sale. This is the most common option as it offers the potential of higher valuations from strategically motivated buyers.
Entrepreneurs Hub provide expert support for business owners throughout the process of a trade sale. From exhaustive research to identify a list of companies most likely to acquire, to seasoned negotiation of the final deal, we are constantly driving the process forward, advocating for you and your business at every step. Working in partnership with you from day one, our experienced team guide you in preparing for sale and positioning your business to achieve your aspirations, whether that is achieving maximum value, securing the future of your team or helping you take the business to the next level.
Our approach is as unique as you are and our team tailors each aspect of our tried and tested process to ensure it aligns with your goals. A dedicated team of up to 7 experts work with you to deliver everything you need to succeed:
Initial advice and consultation
Financial analysis, modelling and forecasting with an experienced, CFO level expert
Weeks of dedicated research to identify potential buyers
Expertly crafted documentation to present the opportunity
Tenacious approach work to ensure every potential buyer is contacted
Project Management support which includes supporting the collation of required information into a secure data room in readiness for due diligence
Supporting you, the business owner, through each step with experienced advice and seasoned negotiation skills to achieve your goals
Key Benefits
FAQs – Trade Sale
What is a Trade Sale?
One of the most common exit strategies is a Trade Sale. A trade sale involves selling your business to another company -typically a strategic buyer operating in the same industry or a complementary one. These buyers are often looking to expand their market share, acquire new capabilities, or achieve synergies that can drive growth and efficiency. Because of this strategic fit, trade sales often result in higher valuations compared to financial buyers, as the acquiring company may be willing to pay a premium for the long-term benefits your business brings to theirs.
A trade sale can also be a more flexible and collaborative process, allowing you to negotiate terms such as ongoing involvement, earn-outs, or transitional support depending on your personal goals. However, it also requires careful planning, due diligence, and a clear understanding of your business’s value drivers. As your advisor, my role is to help position your company in the most attractive way to strategic buyers, manage the process efficiently, and ensure the final deal aligns with your financial and personal objectives.
How do I sell my business?
At Entrepreneurs Hub, we talk about five key areas that make the difference between success and failure when selling your business. Read more…
How much can I sell my business for?
Determining your business’s value is more than just calculating a number it’s complex with key factors, that said the basic equation is actually quite simple. Read more…
How long does it take to sell my business?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the deal and how ready the business is for sale. On average, the process takes around twelve months – sometimes less, sometimes more.
While preparing your business for sale, Entrepreneurs Hub conducts in-depth research to identify potential acquirers. You’ll have the opportunity to review and approve this list before we make any approaches. Once the business is fully prepared – often the most time-consuming step, we begin marketing it. Typically, you’ll start seeing initial interest within a few months, with follow-up meetings happening shortly after.
As these meetings progress – coordinated and facilitated by Entrepreneurs Hub, you’ll begin receiving initial offers. At this stage, we’ll help you assess the strategic fit between your business and potential buyers. When you decide to move forward with an offer, an exclusivity period begins, during which the acquirer conducts Due Diligence (DD).
The DD phase typically lasts two to three months, depending on the complexity of your business. Once complete, the sale is finalised, and you’ve successfully sold your company.
When is the best time to sell?
Selling your business is a major milestone, and the start of an exciting new chapter, whether that means new ventures or a well-earned retirement.
In our experience, the best time to sell is when you don’t need to – when your business is performing well – not necessarily tied to the calendar. That said, timing can still play a role.
Timing the Market
Strong economic conditions, sector growth, and buyer confidence boost valuations. Don’t wait for a “perfect” market – a well-prepared, well-performing business sells in any climate.
Plan Ahead (12–18 Months)
The best outcomes come from early planning: clean financials, solid forecasting and growth potential.
Spring & Autumn Are Active Periods
The M&A market is typically busier in spring and autumn while summer and winter tend to be slower due to holidays and year-end distractions. However, the unpredictability of deals and negotiations makes this hard to target. We do deals all throughout the year – the key is to work with someone who can keep driving the deal forward whenever it happens.
Financial Year- End
Selling your business well is a long process and aiming for your financial year-end milestone is a virtually impossible task. But it is worth bearing your financial year in mind as buyers will want to review the most up-to-date accounts available.
The best time to sell is when your business is ready, and you are too. With the right preparation and positioning the right timing follows naturally.