Find buyers for limited companies

Depending on your relationship with the business, there are different potential buyers. 

Associates 

If you have several partners, you should draw up a so-called consortium agreement at an early stage. This agreement regulates how to handle the situation in terms of ownership and finances if a partner wishes to transfer his or her share in the business. The agreement may also regulate how and by whom the company is to be valued and how the transfer is to be financed. 

Employees 

Selling the business to one or more employees has the advantage that they know the activity, which means that the transfer is unlikely to worry customers or other employees. 

Other business 

A transfer to another business often gives the seller a higher price than a succession of generations or sale to employees. Often this company is a customer, a supplier or a competitor. 

Outside private persons 

For many entrepreneurs, acquiring an existing business is an alternative to starting a business from scratch. There are also so-called "business angels" who can invest larger sums and are actively involved in running and developing the business. 

Venture capital companies 

If your business is to be transferred in whole or in part and is a growth company, it may be of interest to venture capital companies. Venture capital companies aim to drive up the value of the company within a few years and then sell it. The disadvantage is that a strong focus on increasing value can lead to major changes that happen quickly. The advantage of finance buyers is that they are usually professionals and pay well for the right investment. 

Prepare your business for sale 

To make your business attractive to buyers, you need to make sure it is in a saleable condition. Start by addressing the documentation of routines and processes. Here are some areas to review. 

Order and organisation 

• Are accounts, contracts and administrative documents in order? 
• Are production, routines and processes well documented? 
• Are the core business, customer base and contact network well documented? 
• Should the business plan be updated? 

Balance sheet and contracts 

• Are there assets that should not be included in the activity to facilitate the purchase? 
• Are there debts or unmade settlements to affiliated companies? 
• Are there unresolved disputes that should be set in order? 
• Is an important contractual date approaching (rent, lease, etc.) of significance to a potential buyer? 

Performance sheet 

• Should any loss-making or ancillary activities be closed down or removed? 
• Are there special agreements, discounts, etc. to loyal contacts that a buyer may not wish to assume? 
• Should any deals or development projects be completed before the sale takes place? 

External factors 

• What is the state of the economy as a whole and the industry? 
• Is your business seasonal?