19/08/2026
💼 THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? DON'T START WITH THE ADVERT.
One of the biggest decisions a business owner can make is selling the company they've spent years building.
But a successful sale doesn't begin when the listing goes live.
It begins with preparation.
Before looking for buyers, ask:
💰 What is the business realistically worth?
📊 Are the financial records accurate and consistent?
👤 Can the company operate without depending entirely on you?
📄 Are contracts, licences and agreements organised?
🧠 Does the business own its important intellectual property?
📈 Can you demonstrate realistic growth opportunities?
🔐 How will confidential information be protected?
🎯 How will potential buyers be qualified?
A typical business-sale journey may look like:
GOALS → VALUATION → PREPARATION → LISTING → BUYERS → NEGOTIATION → DUE DILIGENCE → COMPLETION → HANDOVER
And valuation isn't simply:
Revenue × Random Multiple = Selling Price
Buyers may examine profitability, recurring income, margins, customer concentration, owner dependency, assets, contracts, employees, risks, cash generation and future potential.
Another important point:
The highest offer isn't necessarily the best deal.
Consider the amount paid at completion, deferred payments, earn-outs, financing, warranties, conditions and handover obligations—not just the headline number.
You've spent years building the business.
Prepare just as carefully when it's time to sell it.
💬 If you were selling your company tomorrow, what would need the most preparation valuation, financials, systems or documentation?
