Business Sale

Expert Advice to Achieve Maximum Value

Sell your business with confidence. HURST Corporate Finance advises business owners across Greater Manchester, the North West and the wider UK on the sale of their company — guiding you from initial valuation through to completion, and working to secure the best possible price, terms and buyer.

Selling your business is likely to be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're planning to retire, exit to fund your next venture, or realise the value you've built, our partner-led team manages the entire process so you can stay focused on running the business while we run the deal.

We've advised on business sales across manufacturing, technology, professional services, food and many other sectors — to trade buyers, private equity and listed acquirers.

Selling your business is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Our job is to take the pressure off — running a competitive process, protecting value and getting you the right deal with the right buyer.

Invaluable experience

Our corporate finance team has significant experience in advising owner-managers on how to position their business for sale. We will help you consider:

Is the timing right in your market?
Are other businesses in your sector being sold?
What makes your business attractive to acquirers?
Who could benefit from acquiring your business?
Are there any acquirers from complementary sectors?
Who are the key employees in the organisation?
Are there any issues that could undermine sales value?

Throughout the sales process, we manage all contact with potential acquirers, lawyers, and other advisors - making sure that you are always on the front foot in presentations and negotiations. We do this so that you can get on with running your business, and ensuring that its performance, and therefore value, is maintained.

Frequently asked questions about selling a business

How do I value my business before selling it?
Business valuation usually starts with a multiple of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), varied by sector, growth, recurring revenue and buyer appetite. Asset-based and discounted-cash-flow methods are also used. A realistic valuation combines these methods with live knowledge of what comparable businesses are actually selling for. HURST provides indicative valuations as a starting point for any sale.

How long does it take to sell a business in the UK?
Most business sales take around six to twelve months from preparation to completion, though this varies with the size and complexity of the deal and the state of the market. Preparation and finding the right buyer typically take the longest; due diligence and legal completion follow once a buyer is agreed. Starting early and preparing well is the single biggest factor in a faster, smoother sale.

What is the process for selling a business?
A typical sale runs through six stages: valuation and planning; preparation (getting financials, contracts and information ready); marketing to a targeted pool of buyers; negotiating heads of terms; due diligence; and legal completion. An experienced adviser manages each stage, runs a competitive process to drive value, and keeps the deal on track through to a successful exit.

How much tax will I pay when I sell my business?
When you sell shares in your company you'll usually pay Capital Gains Tax on the gain. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) can reduce the rate on qualifying gains up to a £1 million lifetime limit — the BADR rate rose to 14% from 6 April 2025 and increases to 18% from 6 April 2026. Above the limit, standard CGT rates apply. Early tax planning can significantly affect your net proceeds, so take advice well before you sell.

Should I use an accountant or a business broker to sell my business?
Business brokers typically handle smaller, more standardised sales. For owner-managed companies where value, deal structure and tax are significant, a corporate finance adviser within an accountancy firm offers more: valuation, buyer identification, negotiation, due diligence management and integrated tax planning under one roof. HURST's partner-led corporate finance team manages the whole process alongside our tax specialists.

What can I do to get my business ready for sale?
Buyers pay more for businesses that are well prepared. That means clean, up-to-date financial records, reduced reliance on the owner, documented processes, secured key contracts and a credible growth story. Addressing these before you go to market — ideally 12 to 24 months ahead — improves both valuation and the likelihood of a smooth due diligence process. HURST offers pre-sale reviews to identify and close value gaps.

What are my options for exiting my business?
Common exit routes include a trade sale (to a competitor or strategic buyer), a sale to private equity, a management buyout (MBO), or a sale to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Each has different implications for price, timing, tax and legacy. The right route depends on your goals — HURST advises across all of them and helps you choose the best fit.

Who will handle the sale of my business at HURST?
Every business sale at HURST is led by an experienced corporate finance partner, supported by a dedicated deal team and our in-house tax specialists. You deal directly with senior advisers throughout, not junior staff.