How Do I Sell My Business? The Short Answer

The short answer: prepare your accounts, set a realistic price, write a clear listing for your business, talk to interested buyers, and negotiate your way to a deal that gets formalized in a purchase agreement. Below, each of these five steps is explained in more detail — with links to dive deeper into a specific step if you want to.

1. Get your accounts in order

Buyers will want to see at least 2–3 years of accounts, an up-to-date balance sheet, and an overview of revenue, EBITDA and your customer base. The more organized this is in advance, the faster a deal can close.

2. Find a realistic price

The most common mistake is setting the price based on what you "need", rather than what the market will actually pay. Use industry multiples and comparable deals as your starting point — or use our free valuation tool for a first estimate. If you'd rather work it out yourself, follow our step-by-step guide to calculating your business's value.

3. Write a listing that's ready to sell

A good listing answers the questions a serious buyer wants to know right away: revenue, earnings, number of employees, why you're selling, and what's included in the deal.

4. Talk to the right buyers

Not every enquiry is equally serious. Use a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before sharing sensitive information, and prioritize buyers who ask concrete, relevant questions over those who just "want to hear more".

5. Negotiate and close the deal

Once you agree on the overall terms, the deal is typically formalized in a letter of intent (LOI), followed by a purchase agreement. If the business is large or complex, this is often where professional advisory pays for itself — see whether you should use a business broker.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to sell a business?

Typically between 6 and 12 months from listing your business to a signed deal — but it varies a lot depending on the size and complexity of the business. See our guide on how long a business sale takes.

Can I sell my business without help from a broker?

Yes, many sellers do. See our guide on when it makes sense to use a broker, and when you can easily handle the process yourself.

What does it cost to list a business for sale?

With a self-service solution, you typically pay a fixed, one-time fee for the listing. See our pricing for exact amounts.

That's the short answer. For the full, detailed walkthrough — including timeline, pitfalls and tax — read our guide on how to sell your business in 7 steps.