Exit route
A trade sale is a sale of the company to an external buyer, usually a competitor, consolidator, financial sponsor or trade acquirer. It suits owners who want to maximise price, widen the buyer pool and accept a more formal sale process. In straightforward cases it may complete in 4-9 months, but complex businesses, cross-border buyers or heavily negotiated warranties can take longer. Advisory fees usually combine a retainer and a success element, with legal and tax support layered in separately. The main risks are losing confidentiality too early, narrowing the buyer list too soon, overestimating value and letting diligence slow momentum. Owners usually get the best outcome when they prepare the business, define a clear process and keep negotiations disciplined.
See all advisors →London
Multi-disciplinary chartered accountancy and advisory firm with a dedicated corporate finance and EOT practice for owner-managed and founder-led businesses.
Bishop's Stortford
UK top-30 chartered accountancy firm with a dedicated Strategic Corporate Finance team advising owner-managed businesses on sales, MBOs and EOT transitions.
Liverpool
Independent UK law firm and Employee Ownership Association specialist adviser with a large corporate M&A and EOT practice.
Sheffield
Independent Yorkshire-based chartered accountancy firm with a dedicated corporate finance and EOT advisory practice.
FCA-regulated boutique M&A advisory firm serving owner-managers and entrepreneurs on exits and mid-market transactions.
Bristol
UK corporate finance advisory firm helping SME owners and business leaders buy, sell or fund the growth of a business.
Manchester
Manchester-based independent corporate finance boutique specialising in mid-market M&A advisory.
London
UK chartered accountancy and business advisory firm with dedicated corporate finance, transaction services and business succession teams.
London
UK-headquartered independent corporate finance firm advising exclusively on sell-side M&A to mid-market companies.
London
Dedicated UK mid-market advisory team of Rothschild & Co providing M&A, debt and special situations advice.
London
Global technology investment bank providing M&A and growth capital advisory to technology companies and investors.
Bristol
Independent UK law firm with a top-tier corporate and M&A practice serving private and public company transactions.