Buying or selling a business is a significant strategic undertaking, and the time and costs involved should not be underestimated; nor should the importance of getting the right professional advice.

If you get it right, there can be many benefits from buying a business, but the consequences can also be extremely severe if due diligence is not properly carried out. Valuation is all-important, and taking the right professional advice in calculating an offer is crucial in helping you to identify the scope to increase profits and make savings within the target business.

Selling a business can be both emotional and time consuming. It can also be highly dispiriting because it is rarely worth what the owner originally imagines. It is vital that you are clear about the reasons for selling and about sale objectives, including the date, the target price and the security of employees. Selling at the right time is important, and a common mistake is to sell too early before the business is established and profitable. A good professional adviser can help you to avoid such pitfalls, secure a realistic valuation and approach potential buyers.Last Updated