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With so many external factors to consider when selling a company, it's crucial that business owners use a specialist business sales team to ensure a smooth transaction...

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Tracy Gilmore , Economy Sales & Lettings

"Thank you so much Emma for all the work you have done. You have good advice and sorted this out for me very professionally. I would certainly recommend your service."

The simple and secure method of selling your business

Avoid unexpected problems

We’ve worked with businesses long enough to know exactly what owners are looking for in a business sale:

You want a simple and prompt sales process that results in you receiving the best sale price your business can achieve.

Our years of experience in the field have allowed us to provide exactly that to our clients. We’ve encountered every potential pitfall imaginable and as such, are able to avoid any problems before they can even arise.

 

The low-stress way to sell

When it comes to keeping the sale of a business simple, however, it’s a little trickier to make such a complex process ‘easy’. That’s why we take care of everything for our clients.

Leave the stress and headache of selling your company to our team of experts instead.

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way with progress on your sale, and stay in touch regularly to allow you to oversee the process if preferred.

Achieve the best price for your business

Company owners put in long days (and even nights) to get their businesses where they are today. At Forbes Burton, we think it’s only fair that those same owners should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour by achieving the best possible sale price for their businesses.

We enjoy excellent relationships with business investors nationwide, and by placing your company in front of the right people, we can find genuine buyers who realise the true worth of your business.

 

A sales process tailored to you

No business sale is the same, and each seller’s motivation behind a sale can be different too.

That’s why we analyse each business comprehensively to allow us to tailor our service accordingly.

Similarly, we also take the time to understand what your main aims might be. Whether you want to sell quickly, are looking for a particular price, or seeking the deal that involves the least upheaval, we can help you to achieve your desired outcome.

 

We’re rated excellent by our clients

We have been trusted by thousands of directors to help with their companies, take a look at our Trustpilot reviews…

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Why sell through Forbes Burton?

  • The best price for your business – Our strategic approach locates the perfect buyers
  • Low stress – We take care of everything you need
  • Prompt service – Achieve the price you’re looking for with fewer frustrating delays
  • Experienced and trusted specialists – Our expert team has overseen countless successful buyouts
  • Tailored approach – We take the time to understand what a successful sale looks like for you
  • Extensive contacts and premium marketing – Puts your business in front of the right people

How much could you receive for your business?

Find out what your company could sell for with our free valuation calculator

Get My FREE Company Valuation

How we can help you

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Call us today on FREEPHONE

0800 975 0380

Professional Service

Over the last decade we've helped company directors, like you, to sell their limited companies. By using us you'll have access to our vast experience and will enjoy the benefits of a dedicated case worker who will manage your business from start to finish.

The Best Genuine Prices

Our experience in the field has garnered an extensive contact list of investors and industry-specific leaders looking to grow. By utilising these business relationships alongside powerful marketing strategies, we can find interested parties willing to pay the best prices.

Protects You as a Seller

We analyse each potential buyer thoroughly in an effort to ensure that each business sale is completed smoothly and without issue. By performing our due diligence early on, we're able to avoid potential hold-ups further into the sales process.

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Dan Wilkie , Easee Limited

"I was more than happy with the service I received from Forbes Burton, they made a stressful experience a lot less stressful!"

Frequently asked questions

Private limited companies can choose between a 'share sale' and a 'goodwill, assets and stock sale'.
In a share sale, the buyer acquires the shares of the company and assumes control of the business. The company carries on as normal, with the only difference being the new director. The buyer takes the business on as an ‘ongoing concern’, but because by taking on more risk with this type of sale, they may request warranties, indemnities, or even a discount.
An asset sale allows you to keep hold of aspects of your business that you want to keep, or sell separate assets to different sellers to maximise your profits. You may have to pay two levels of tax, however, so this method has the potential to be costlier. Sellers could also be left with the responsibility of dissolving the remains of the business, and paying any outstanding liabilities.
While it's certainly possible, it's certainly not recommended. There's a multitude of different factors that specialist business sales teams routinely deal with daily, that can completely scupper sales arranged without help. The sheer reach of our services also means that you're likely to achieve a much higher price through us. Even if you've already found an interested party yourself, we have the potential to find a better offer, or even multiple interested buyers that can spark a bidding war.
There are several tax implications triggered when selling a company, and these can reach to both your business and personal circumstances. Bear in mind that the same will apply to your buyer too, adding an extra layer of complexity to matters. Any profits from a UK business sale will have capital gains tax deducted from them, although some companies may be able to claim Business Asset Disposal Relief, which can reduce this figure. Sellers that opt for a goodwill, assets and stock sale will often accrue extra tax liabilities depending on what parts of the business they wish to sell too. Our team of advisors will be able to guide you through any tax liabilities that using different approaches might trigger.
Being paid in full at the point of completion is always the most preferable option, but buyers that lack the money up front can often ask for deferred payments or 'earn out' payments. Both of these leave the seller with an element of risk, so an experienced business sales team would try to negotiate as much as possible initially to minimise your exposure.
If the buyer doesn’t possess the funds to pay outright, they can sometimes negotiate a deal with you to pay over instalments.
An 'earn out' payment is usually negotiated if the buyer is nervous about a particular risk involved with your business. With an 'earn out' sale, the final price is determined by how the company fares under the new owner’s stewardship.
We understand the need of confidentiality, so your company's identifying details are only divulged to buyers that have shown a genuine interest in acquiring it. Non-disclosure agreements can also be put in place to ensure further confidentiality.
Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a 'typical' business sale. Each has its own issues and factors to consider. That being said, it's perfectly possible to complete the sale of a small business in as little as three months, assuming everything is straightforward. Any complications can often delay the completion date, however, with some needing six months or more.
Historical, current and projected financial performance of the company. The company’s debts, assets, and current balance sheet. The business’ growth potential. The quality and loyalty of your customers. Value of current contracts, work in progress, and pipeline income. The skills, experience, and commitment of key staff. How easy it will be to integrate with the purchaser’s business.

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