Question 1

How to sell with agentlocal

Accepted Answer

Selling a business with agentlocal starts with a free, confidential valuation. You can use our instant valuation calculator above, or speak with one of our expert agents today by phone. We value your business, understand your reasons for selling and explain exactly how the process works, then talk you through the sale package best suited to getting you sold.

Question 2

Why do most businesses fail to sell?

Accepted Answer

86% of all businesses taken to market directly by owners fail to sell.

You wouldn't try to sell your house on Facebook, Gumtree or a cheap DIY advertising website and handle the entire process yourself. You would instruct an estate agent. Yet every year, thousands of business owners attempt to do exactly that when selling a business.

From incorrect valuations and poor marketing to dealing with unqualified buyers, failed negotiations and legal complications, the mistakes can be costly. Selling a business today is a complex process involving financial preparation, premium advertising, buyer sourcing, AML checks, buyer vetting, offer handling, negotiations, due diligence, solicitors, staff transfers, lease assignments and much more. agentlocal manages every one of these stages for you, which is why our businesses sell when so many others do not.

Question 3

How long is the sales process?

Accepted Answer

How long it takes to sell a business depends on a number of factors, including your sector, net profit and current market demand.

Last year we sold the average SME in under 14 weeks from start to finish, with many businesses in high demand sectors such as fuel stations, dentistry and off licences selling in less than 4 weeks. For larger businesses with higher revenue, the average is around 9 months.

That is well ahead of the typical market timeline of 12 to 18 months.

Question 4

Do you offer a fully managed sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike many business agents and brokers today who simply list businesses, agentlocal handles every stage of your sale from start to finish.

That includes valuation, preparation, premium advertising, buyer sourcing and qualification, negotiations, legals and due diligence, all the way through to completion.

You stay focused on running your business while we run the sale.

Question 5

What types of businesses do you sell?

Accepted Answer

agentlocal sells businesses across every sector and industry. We work with startups, SMEs and corporate businesses, including those in hospitality, retail, leisure, manufacturing, legal and ecommerce.

No matter the size, value or sector, our expert team are here to help.

Question 6

How much does it cost to sell my business with agentlocal?

Accepted Answer

We agree a clear, transparent fee with you upfront, before any work begins, with no hidden charges and no surprises at completion. The majority of our fee is payable only on success, so we are paid in full when your business sells. Your dedicated agent will walk you through the package that best fits your business.

Question 7

How do you value my business?

Accepted Answer

Your valuation is carried out by an expert agent, not an automated guess. We assess your accounts, profitability, assets, recurring revenue and growth potential, then benchmark against real comparable sales in your sector. You receive a realistic figure and a clear explanation of how we reached it.

Question 8

Will my sale be kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Discretion sits at the heart of how we work. Your business is marketed anonymously and we only release identifying details to serious buyers who have signed a confidentiality agreement, so your staff, customers and competitors are protected throughout.

Question 9

How do you find buyers for my business?

Accepted Answer

We market your business to our database of active, funded buyers and, where it makes sense, approach selected acquirers directly and discreetly off market. Every enquiry is screened by your agent, so you only ever spend time with genuine, qualified parties.

Question 10

Do I need to prepare anything before selling?

Accepted Answer

Having current accounts, clear financial records and tidy contracts makes the process smoother and supports a stronger price. As part of our fully managed sale, your agent will tell you exactly what is needed and help you get the business ready to sell.

Question 11

What information will buyers want to see?

Accepted Answer

Buyers typically want to see two to three years of accounts, management figures, details of staff and contracts, lease information and an overview of how the business runs day to day. We help you package all of this professionally so buyers can move forward with confidence.

Question 12

Can I keep running the business while it's for sale?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and you should. Maintaining performance and momentum while the business is on the market protects its value. Because we run the sale for you in the background, you can stay focused on trading while we handle everything else.

Question 13

What happens after I accept an offer?

Accepted Answer

Once you accept, we agree heads of terms, then guide the deal through due diligence and the legal process to completion. Your dedicated agent manages every stage, chases each party and keeps the deal moving to a clean finish.

Question 14

Do you help with the legal and completion process?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate closely with your solicitor and the buyer's side, manage due diligence and keep everyone to timescales, so the transaction completes smoothly and you can hand over with confidence.

Question 15

How do I register as a buyer with agentlocal?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch and tell us what you're looking for, sector, location, budget and timescale. We'll add you to our buyer network and alert you to opportunities that genuinely fit your brief, including off market deals.

Question 16

Is there a fee for buyers?

Accepted Answer

Registering as a buyer and viewing our listings is free. If you'd like us to act for you and actively source acquisitions through our Premium Buyer Service, we'll agree the terms with you clearly in advance.

Question 17

How do I know a business is genuinely for sale?

Accepted Answer

Every business we list is a real, instructed sale from an owner who is committed to selling. We vet sellers and verify the opportunity, so you don't waste time on speculative or unavailable listings.

Question 18

Can I see off market businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of the best opportunities are never advertised publicly. As a registered and funded buyer, you can gain access to off market businesses we're handling discreetly on behalf of owners.

Question 19

How do I finance a business purchase?

Accepted Answer

Buyers fund acquisitions through cash, bank or asset finance, vendor terms, or a combination. We can introduce you to specialist lenders and funders, and help structure an offer that works for both sides.

Question 20

What due diligence should I carry out?

Accepted Answer

You'll want to review the accounts, contracts, staff, leases, customer base and any liabilities before committing. We help you ask the right questions and coordinate with your accountant and solicitor throughout.

Question 21

How do I make an offer?

Accepted Answer

Once you've found the right business, we help you frame a credible offer and present it to the seller on your behalf. We then negotiate terms to protect your position and agree heads of terms.

Question 22

How long does it take to buy a business?

Accepted Answer

From accepted offer to completion typically takes a few months, depending on due diligence, financing and the legal process. We keep the deal moving and chase every party so it doesn't stall.

Question 23

Can you help me value a business I want to buy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide an independent view on whether the asking price is realistic, based on the accounts and comparable sales, so you can negotiate from a position of knowledge rather than guesswork.

Question 24

What support do I get after my offer is accepted?

Accepted Answer

Your agent manages the deal through due diligence, financing and legals to completion, coordinating both sides and keeping everyone to timescales so you can take ownership smoothly and with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selling a business

Buying a business

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