Business Sale and Exit Solicitors
Whether you’re considering exiting or selling a business due to retirement, to seek a new venture, or simply because it’s a profitable time to sell, it’s important to be aware of all that’s involved as early as possible.
Our corporate and commercial solicitors have years of experience in buying and selling businesses of different sizes across many industries. We know how to help the process go as smoothly as possible whilst minimising any risks during the selling process.
Alternatively, you may be in business with a partner where one of you has decided to leave, be that in amicable or potentially contentious circumstances. Our commercial lawyers can advise you on your options and any legal and commercial issues that need to be considered.
How do I sell my business?
To sell a business, you need to consider the best structure for your sale. For example, if you operate your business through a limited company, are you selling the shares in the company itself? Or will the company be selling the underlying assets?
Each route has different legal and tax consequences, which your solicitor and accountant can help guide you through.
You also need to prepare your business for sale by ensuring your books and records are up-to-date and accessible. This includes making sure you’ve documented key relationships with customers and suppliers, and that all assets and contracts sit in the right place. You will also need to clear out any ‘skeletons in the closet’ that might be unattractive to a buyer.
You can save both time and money in the long run by investing effort in this preparation stage.
Our business sale expertise
Our business sale solicitors can advise you on the transaction as a seller of the business. As part of our service, our commercial lawyers can help agree on heads of terms, guide you through the buyer’s due diligence and provide strategic input on relations with your buyer. We can also advise on the legal documents, including the warranties you will have to give and disclosures against those to minimise your ongoing risk.
As commercial lawyers, we pride ourselves on being responsive and proactive. We help clients find solutions to issues that crop up along the way and play a hands-on role in making sure the deal gets done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our corporate and commercial team can also bring expertise from other specialists in the firm, including our Employment team for matters relating to employees, and our Commercial Property team, should the exit involve the sale of a building or land, or dealing with leasehold premises.
What others say
“I felt incredibly well looked after throughout the process and feel particularly grateful to my Accountant for recommending Barcan+Kirby; excellent find! It is also impressive that the buyer has commented on how good my advisers have been, which I imagine is quite an unusual endorsement. A formidable team!“
– Seller of a digital market research agency
Bespoke services tailored to your needs
Every situation is different. We understand that the service you want or need will vary depending on the type of business, the size of the deal and the level of risk involved. Our expert commercial lawyers will discuss the appropriate approach for you at the outset, giving you options where appropriate and ensuring that you get value for money.
Selling a business? Contact our corporate and commercial solicitors
If you’re thinking of exiting or selling your business, our commercial solicitors can help. We work with clients all over the UK, from our offices across Bristol and the surrounding area in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury.
Get in touch by calling 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form.