Selling a business is a major milestone for any entrepreneur. Whether you’re looking to retire, pivot to a new venture, or simply cash in on years of hard work, it’s natural to ask: how long does it really take to sell a business?
The truth is, there’s no single answer. Every business is different, and so is every sale. That said, most owners can expect the process to take anywhere between six to nine months. For more complex businesses, or deals involving international buyers, the process may stretch to twelve months or longer. While a small number of sales have been completed in just a few weeks, those cases are very much exceptions – not the norm.
Understanding the key stages of a sale and how to navigate them can help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Sales Journey
Selling a business isn’t a one-off transaction; it’s a process made up of several distinct stages. The first phase is all about planning and aligning with your advisors. This is when you define what a successful sale looks like – whether it’s about achieving a particular financial outcome, ensuring continuity for your team, or finding a buyer who shares your vision.
Once the groundwork is laid, the next stage is preparing your business for market. This often includes creating a detailed prospectus, tightening up financials, reviewing legal documents, and conducting internal due diligence. This preparatory phase alone can take two to three months, depending on how ready your business is.
After that comes the market launch, where you and your advisors reach out to potential buyers. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t just about listing your business and waiting. Effective marketing involves identifying the right prospects and reaching them multiple times with a compelling message to generate interest and urgency. This stage typically takes another few months.
Finally, when you’ve identified serious suitors, the process shifts into negotiation and deal-making. Even when both parties are aligned in principle, it can still take time to navigate legal complexities, conduct buyer due diligence, and finalise the terms of the sale.
When you add it all up, it becomes clear why six to nine months is considered a standard timeframe – and why, for more involved deals, you should plan for a year.
Can the Process Be Accelerated?
In some cases, yes. There are stories of businesses selling in just four to six weeks, particularly when there are unique circumstances such as legal deadlines or urgent financial pressures. But these fast-track sales often involve cutting corners, which can increase risk or reduce value. Unless there’s a compelling reason to move quickly, most experts recommend a deliberate, well-managed process that protects your interests and maximises your return.
Preparation Makes the Difference
If you want to sell your business efficiently and profitably, preparation is everything. Many owners underestimate how much groundwork is needed before approaching buyers. You may need to clean up financial records, clarify operational processes, resolve outstanding legal issues, or even make key hires or structural changes to enhance value. Taking the time to prepare your business properly not only improves your chances of attracting qualified buyers – it also gives you more control over the sales timeline.
Working with experienced M&A advisors early in the process can be incredibly valuable. They’ll help you assess your business from a buyer’s perspective, highlight areas for improvement, and ensure the business is positioned as attractively as possible in the market.
Flexibility Is an Asset
It’s not unusual for deals to be paused, fall through, or require a change of course. In fact, some of the most successful sales happen after an initial attempt is put on hold, giving the owner more time to strengthen the business and come back with a clearer proposition after understanding the feedback from the market.
Business owners often enter the sales process with fixed timelines or rigid expectations, but the most effective exits tend to be those that remain flexible. Selling a business is rarely just about the price. It’s also about legacy, culture, and finding a buyer who aligns with your values and vision. Staying open to reflection and adjustments throughout the journey can make the difference between a good deal and a great one.
The Right Advisor Can Make All the Difference
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is who to have by your side during the sale. A strong M&A advisor won’t just keep the deal moving – they’ll help you make better decisions along the way. Good advisors serve as both strategists and sounding boards. They understand when to push forward and when to pause. They’re not driven solely by closing the deal, but by helping you achieve the right outcome, on your terms.
They’ll also challenge you when necessary, helping you avoid common mistakes and stay grounded during what can be a highly emotional and high-stakes process.
Move at the Right Pace
If you’re asking how long it takes to sell a business, the real answer is this: as long as it needs to – no faster, no slower. The goal isn’t just to close a deal, but to close the right deal.
Take the time to plan, prepare, and position your business properly. Engage with trusted advisors early. Be open to change, but intentional in your decisions. Selling a business is a journey – and one that deserves your full attention and care.
Done right, it’s not just the end of something – it’s the beginning of whatever comes next.
Contact Partner Geoff Pinder to find out more about our Business Exit Review and how we can support your business exit journey.