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 maximise the value of your business 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 the 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 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 in 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

We have worked with Georgina Bryant and her team at Barcan+Kirby on a number of sales and purchases of childcare businesses, ranging from small value deals of less than £100k to larger multi-site transactions of £5m+.

George is one of the legal advisers on our referral panel, and we often receive feedback direct from clients on how pleased they are with the excellent service the team provide. In particular, sellers find themselves reassured and in safe hands, welcoming George’s down-to-earth and pragmatic approach. That approach is consistent across the Commercial team, with lawyers able to pick up deals seamlessly to cover any absences, all with the same consistently high standard of service. Barcan+Kirby also have a strong Commercial Property team able to deal with both leasehold and freehold properties, and provide a joined-up and streamlined service to clients.

One of the key points that differentiates George from other commercial lawyers is her accessibility and proactive approach. She is easy to do business with, for both us as the broker and for her clients, always responding quickly to calls or emails and trying to find solutions to problems. George knows when to involve us in commercial issues which could be a risk to the deal or the relationship between parties, and regularly keeps us up to date on progress. She plays a vital and hands-on role in making sure the deal gets done and is a safe bet for professionals looking for a trusted lawyer for their clients.

– Jenna Caldwell, Director of Childcare & Education, Redwoods Dowling Kerr

Bespoke services tailored to your needs

Every situation is different. We understand that 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.