Selling your company might just be the biggest decision you will make in your career.
Whether you are only starting to think about it or already deep into the prep work, it is completely normal to feel unsure about when you should take the leap.
Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why the UK’s leading business sales specialist thinks now could be a great time to sell your business…
Personal
Many of our clients decide to sell their business to help fund their retirement, and in many cases, the sale gives them the freedom to retire earlier than expected.
Others find it tough to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, or have simply lost the drive they once had for their business or industry.
Everyone’s reasons are different – and whatever yours may be, the first real sign that it could be time to sell is that you are already thinking about it.
And if someone has shown interest in buying your business, that is a strong sign it is seen as valuable in the market and that the timing might be ideal.
Financial
If your company has been performing well year after year, with strong future projections, you might find yourself at a crossroads.
One route is to team up with experienced professionals who can help you secure favourable terms – giving you the option to stay involved while still benefiting from the company’s ongoing success.
On the flip side, if you feel your organisation has hit its peak, it could be the right time to think about a full sale.
Recognising when your business has reached its highest financial point is a strong signal to explore your options. Speaking with an expert at this stage is key.
A trusted adviser can look closely at your business and its position in the market to help determine whether you have reached peak value or if there is still significant room to grow.
Market
You might have started to notice shifts in the market your business operates in, leading you to wonder if now could be the right moment to secure your financial future by making an exit.
If your business is part of a growing sector, timing becomes especially important, and getting expert advice can make all the difference.
In a popular or fast-moving industry, there is often strong demand for businesses. While it might be tempting to keep pushing for more growth, selling while the market is performing well is often the smartest move.
The truth is, external market forces can change quickly and without warning, potentially impacting your business in ways you did not forecast – leaving you wishing you had made the most of the opportunity when it was there.
A recent example is the Capital Gains Tax increase announced by the new Labour government last autumn. This prompted many business owners to act fast and sell ahead of the changes, giving buyers more leverage in negotiations.
An expert adviser can help you figure out the right timing for your sale, helping to determine whether holding steady or moving quickly to take advantage of favourable conditions is the best move.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, it is your company and your decision, and you alone know what is best for your future.
Letting go of a business you have poured time and energy into can be tough, but selling does not necessarily mean the end of the road for you or the company.
At Knightsbridge, we connect sellers with trusted, reputable buyers who are genuinely committed to the long-term success of your company.
And if you would like to stay involved in some way, your dedicated adviser can help negotiate terms that keep you firmly part of the journey.
Chat with an expert about your plans and what a business sale could look like for you.