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.
Considering a Trade Sale?
Sell your business to the right strategic buyer with experienced M&A advice, confidential buyer research and skilled deal negotiation.
Entrepreneurs Hub helps UK SME owners prepare, position and sell their businesses through a structured trade sale process designed to maximise value, protect confidentiality and achieve the right outcome for the owner.
Proven Success in M&A for Companies with £500k-£5m+ Profit
What is a trade sale?
A trade sale is the sale of your business to another company, usually a strategic buyer in the same sector or a related market.
Trade buyers may include competitors, suppliers, customers, international groups, private equity backed businesses or companies looking to grow through acquisition.
For many owners, a trade sale can be an attractive exit route because the buyer may see additional value in your customers, contracts, people, systems, brand, market position or future growth potential.
Why consider a trade sale?
Is a trade sale right for you?
A trade sale may be right for you if:
We typically support business owners where there is a clear trading history, established operations and meaningful profitability.
Own an established UK SME
Are considering a sale now or in the next few years
Want to understand what your business could be worth
Want to explore strategic buyers
Do not have clear internal succession
Want experienced support through negotiation and due diligence
Need the process to remain confidential
Our Process
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
Testimonials
“We were more than happy with the service Entrepreneurs Hub gave us. The patience they showed in getting the deal across the line and the advice we were given was second to none. But over and above that, their support was invaluable in just generally keeping our morale up as well!!!”
Tim Jupp
Formwise Washrooms
“For us it came down to trust. It took 25 years to build a very successful business in our sector, but the biggest decision we ever made was the appointment of Entrepreneurs Hub. If we were to do it all again, it would be with the Entrepreneurs Hub team.”
Gary Rowe
Pallet Plus Ltd
“Choosing the right advisors to help me with the sale process was key from the outset. I met with a number of potential advisors, both large and small, Entrepreneurs Hub provided a skilled team with a comprehensive approach, but more importantly, they were empathetic and trustworthy partners. These attributes are vital in the journey to exiting well and selling the business. Interestingly the buyers also commented on the high level of professionalism from Entrepreneurs Hub throughout the process. Tanya and I are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support throughout this process. Their expert guidance has ensured a successful transaction, allowing me to focus on my philanthropic work while securing the best future for WOW Toys. Entrepreneurs Hub have earned our strongest recommendation for any business owner considering a sale. You don’t get to sell many businesses in your lifetime so when you do, it must be absolutely spot on.”
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE
WOW Toys
Success Stories
FAQs – Trade Sale
What does a trade sale mean when selling a business?
A trade sale means selling your business to another company, usually one operating in the same industry or a complementary sector. Strategic buyers often seek acquisitions to expand market share, gain new capabilities or create operational efficiencies.
Because these buyers can integrate your company into their existing operations, they may be willing to pay a premium for the strategic value your business provides. Trade sales can also allow flexible deal structures, including earn-outs or ongoing involvement after the transaction.
What is the best way to sell a business in the UK?
The best way to sell a business in the UK is through a structured process that prepares the company properly, identifies the right buyers and creates competitive interest. Preparation, valuation and buyer targeting are critical to achieving the best outcome.
Successful sales typically involve preparing financial information, identifying strategic buyers, approaching them confidentially and managing negotiations. Working with an experienced adviser helps maintain momentum, protect confidentiality and maximise the value achieved.
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?
Most businesses are sold based on a multiple of profit, usually EBITDA or adjusted net profit. The exact valuation depends on factors such as growth potential, recurring revenue, customer diversification and management strength.
Strategic trade buyers may pay higher multiples when your business provides clear synergies, new capabilities or market expansion opportunities. Understanding these value drivers helps position the business effectively during the sale process.
The basic equation is actually quite simple. Read more…
How long does it take to sell a business in the UK?
Selling a business in the UK typically takes 12 to 18 months from initial preparation to completion, although the formal sale process itself may take around 6 to 9 months once the business is ready to go to market. The exact timeframe depends on factors such as how prepared the business is, buyer demand, the complexity of the transaction, due diligence and how quickly legal and commercial terms can be agreed. Preparing financial information, contracts and other key documents in advance can help reduce delays and make the sale process more efficient. Read our complete business sale timeline to see what happens at each stage.
When is the best time to sell a business?
The best time to sell a business is usually when it is performing strongly, has clear growth potential and you are not under pressure to complete a deal. Buyers are typically more attracted to businesses with stable or rising profits, reliable financial information and credible opportunities for future growth.
You may be in a stronger position to sell when:
- Revenue and profits are growing or consistently strong.
- Financial records are accurate and up to date.
- Future growth opportunities can be clearly demonstrated.
- The business is not overly dependent on you.
- An experienced management team is in place.
- You have prepared for the sale well in advance.
Market conditions can also influence buyer appetite and valuation. Sector growth, access to finance and competition between buyers may support stronger deal activity. However, the performance and sale-readiness of your business are usually more important than trying to identify the perfect month or year to sell.
Ultimately, the right time to sell is when both you and your business are ready, and the company can demonstrate sustainable performance, manageable risk and future value to potential buyers.
Use our Exit Readiness Assessment to assess how prepared your business is.