A privately owned business is often the principal source of wealth for the owners, and as such its sale becomes one of the major events of the owners' lives. In these circumstances, the sale justifies good preparation, clear objectives and an understanding of the marketplace. This guide is designed to help owners with the steps to be take for a successful sale.

Reasons for sale
No business is held by an individual or a family forever. All businesses are either sold or die over time, although the timescales vary greatly. All business owners should objectively review their ownership regularly to decide whether their objectives can be met by continued ownership of sale:

Retaining a business

• The owner works in the business and it provides rewarding employment.
• The owner believes that the business can be developed further to create greater value in the future.
• The market conditions are not right for a possible sale.
• The business provides the opportunity for a successful transfer of management and eventually ownership to a succeeding generation in the owner's family.

For more information, download our Selling your business brochure. (pdf)