BusinessSold guide · 9 minute read

Preparing your business for sale

How to make a company easier to understand, finance, transfer and operate before it reaches the market.

Reduce owner dependence

Document recurring tasks, delegate key relationships and make management information available without relying on the owner’s memory. A transferable business is easier for a buyer and lender to assess.

Improve the evidence trail

Bring statutory filings, management accounts, contracts, licences and asset records up to date. Resolve discrepancies early and maintain a clear explanation for exceptional items.

Address concentration risks

Identify dependence on major customers, suppliers, employees, channels or leases. You may not eliminate every risk, but renewal, succession and contingency work can materially improve buyer confidence.

Define the proposed transaction

Decide what is included, whether the sale is of shares or assets, how property and working capital should be treated and what transition support you can realistically provide. Take tax and legal advice before fixing the structure.

Prepare confidential marketing material

Lead with the commercial opportunity without exposing the company too early. Keep identifying details and sensitive documents in a controlled process, release information in stages and record who receives it.