Selling a Business
Our experienced team provides expert advice, tailored strategies, and hands-on support to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Expert advice, tailored strategies, and hands-on support
Selling a business can be one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. At The MGroup Corporate Finance, we specialise in guiding business owners through the complexities of selling a business. Our experienced team provides expert advice, tailored strategies, and hands-on support to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Our Services
You might be considering selling a business to a trade buyer seeking a strategic acquisition, a private investor, or even your management team, possibly supported by private equity. The MGroup team can guide you through all the available options and help develop a tailored plan. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, which we’ll navigate together.
Merger or Acquisition (M&A)
Securing a transaction through a trade sale or merger with a larger or similar company can maximise value by achieving synergies, economies of scale, and market disruption. A trade sale often secures the highest premium with a straightforward deal structure.
Financial Sale and Private Equity
Attractive to investors seeking positive returns, this approach involves selling to private equity houses that aim for fast growth. Sellers usually retain a stake, benefiting from a secondary future exit of a smaller but more valuable percentage of the shares.
Planned Partial Exit
 This blended approach involves retaining a stake, either passively or actively, while working with a new team or private equity backing to grow the business to the next level.
Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
This involves selling the business to all employees via a Trust, with valuation set by an independent financial analyst. It works well when management is capable but unwilling to fully take on personal debt required for a buyout.
Management Buyouts (MBO) and Variants
- MBO: Management acquires the business, often with leveraged debt. This can create conflicts of interest, but the management’s familiarity with the business can lead to flexible deal structures and lighter due diligence.
- MBI: Like MBO but involves external management buying-in.
- VIMBO: Vendor-initiated MBO, where the vendor drives the buyout process.
- BIMBO: A combination of an external investor and internal management buyout.
Our Process for Selling a Business
At The MGroup Corporate Finance we have a structured and proven approach to selling businesses.
Here’s how we can help:
1. Initial Consultation
We start with an in-depth consultation to understand your objectives, timeline, and business intricacies. We provide a thorough assessment of your company and discuss potential strategies for the sale.
2. Business Valuation
We conduct a comprehensive valuation of your business, considering its financial performance, market conditions, and industry trends. This helps us understand a realistic and competitive asking price.
3. Preparing Your Business for Sale
We help you prepare your business for sale by identifying areas of improvement, streamlining operations, and ensuring financial records are in order. This enhances buyer confidence and increases the likelihood of a successful transaction.
4. Marketing & Buyer Identification
Leveraging our deep industry connections, we discreetly market your business to a targeted pool of qualified buyers. Our aim is to attract interest from serious and well-matched acquirers.
5. Negotiation & Structuring
We lead negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you receive the most favourable terms. Our team is skilled in structuring deals that maximise your financial returns while safeguarding your interests.
6. Due Diligence
We assist in managing the due diligence process, coordinating with legal, tax, and financial advisors to ensure all aspects of the sale are properly handled.
7. Completion
Once all negotiations and due diligence are complete, we oversee the final transaction to ensure a smooth closing and a seamless transfer of ownership.
Why Sell your Business with us?
We’re here to listen, collaborate, and deliver tailored solutions that truly make a difference for you and your business. With 15 years of partnership alongside MGroup Accountancy, we combine our expertise to help you achieve successful outcomes.
Passionate and dedicated, we ensure your investment in our services brings results aligned to your unique business goals.
How we add value:
- Maximise Value & Choice
We help secure premium deals (often +25%) by finding the right buyer who aligns with your culture, vision, and legacy. Our competitive bidding process gives you choice, so you’ll never have regrets about selling. - Experience & Expertise
With deep market knowledge and expert deal negotiation, we leverage a trusted network of legal, financial, and tax professionals. Integrated with The MGroup Accountancy Practice, we provide comprehensive support. - Navigate Complex Processes
We guide you through the entire process, managing due diligence and data, so you stay focused on your business without stress or burnout. - Flexible, Responsive, & Agile
Our partner-led team of specialists adapts to your individual needs as a client. Our small but focused team enables us to offer a personalised approach every step of the way.
The MGroup Partnership
Ready to Sell your Business?
Whether you’re in the early stages of considering an exit or have already embarked on the journey, contact Geoff Pinder (07717 874357 / g.pinder@themgroup.co.uk) for a confidential discussion.
Who we Work with
We partner with owners of UK-based privately-owned SMEs who are looking to sell part or all of their business. Whether it’s through trade sales, private equity, management buyouts (MBOs), or employee ownership trusts (EOTs), we guide clients through successful exits.
Read our client success stories.
Exit Planning
Our sell-side experts help you develop a strong exit strategy well in advance. By planning early, we ensure you unlock maximum value when it’s time to sell your business.
Find out more about our Business Exit Review.
Business Valuation
Our specialists offer independent, fact-based valuations, helping you understand the true value of your business. This insight enables you to time your exit and plan your finances post-sale with confidence.