Sell a business | Acquisitions | Financial

What to do when someone asks to buy a business you own

When you’ve spent years of hard graft building a prosperous company with a strong brand, there’s perhaps no greater accolade than an approach from a fellow entrepreneur keen to buy a business you own.

In our work as corporate finance experts, we meet many business owners who have been approached by someone who wants to buy their business. In some cases, they were thinking about selling anyway. In others, it wasn’t on the cards yet but it’s given them food for thought and planted the question in their minds – “Well, is now the right time?”

Beware of flattery

It can be very flattering when someone likes what you’ve crafted so much that they’re willing to pay serious money to take the reins. However, while compliments are very welcome, they should always be taken with a pinch of salt because they can pull the wool over your eyes.

With that in mind, if you do decide you’d like to sell your business following a speculative approach, by all means go ahead but keep your wits about you…

Stranger danger?

If an enquiry to buy a business you own arrives out of the blue, the potential acquirer could well be an unknown entity so do some careful research using trusted networks and contacts who understand the market well. A corporate finance consultant such as one of the Entrepreneur’s Hub team will be able to help you get more insight and clarity around this.

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if a prospective buyer genuinely has adequate funds and facilities in place to purchase your business. Seek professional help to determine whether they’re serious or whether they’re just kicking tyres to see under the bonnet of your business.

Practical tips

Being courted by someone who wants to buy your business can be a hugely exciting time, so we’re not trying to scaremonger or arouse unnecessary suspicion. It’s just smart to be vigilant when something as important as your business is at stake.

Have you been approached? Here’s some advice to help you avoid the common pitfalls so you can sell your business with peace of mind – and for maximum value.

  • Don’t fall into the trap of being ‘romanced’ and give too much away, too soon. If the acquirer is keen, they’ll remain patient (so going at your own pace might even be a useful litmus test of how genuinely interested they are)
  • Work with an experienced adviser from an early stage – because you probably haven’t sold a business before whereas they’ll have the knowledge and impartiality to ‘stand in the gap’ and negotiate the best deal for you
  • Get a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) arranged before meeting potential acquirers, to protect confidentiality. Make sure it’s yours, not theirs, and get it signed by both parties (if you need an example, get in touch with us)
  • Carefully prepare an information memorandum – a sales document highlighting the opportunity in more detail, under NDA
  • Collate future forecasts to show buyers the scope for business growth over the next 1-3 years but never give the full financials at this stage
  • Open the option up to other acquirers – if you decide it’s the right time to sell your business, don’t be afraid to invite additional interest, not just from the buyer you were approached by in the first place. You want to be confident you have got true market value for your business (plus, it gives you a plan B if another interested party drops out of the race)

Selling a business is a complex process, as Andy Fewtrell, Chairman of Up and Under Group discovered:

“Entrepreneurs Hub helped me to prepare and sell my company. Selling a company is not easy, it’s emotional, and there’s work to do. I’m so pleased I engaged the Entrepreneurs Hub team to navigate and support us through the process.”

Who buys your business matters immensely, so it’s a process that must be skilfully driven. After some careful analysis of buyer credentials early on, you’ll be able to progress to the next stage with your chosen acquirer with true confidence. Then, once you’ve negotiated and procured offers and followed due diligence with the help of your corporate finance expert, it’ll be time to secure a deal that meets your exit objectives – leaving you to enjoy the next chapter of your life.

When someone asks to buy a business you own and you need expert guidance, you’ll know you’re in safe hands with Entrepreneurs Hub. Find out more about how our central principles and proven approach can help you achieve your desired goals and aspirations by giving us a confidential call today on +44 (0) 845 067 8678 or emailing info@entrepreneurshub.co.uk

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