Choosing the right advisor for your business sale is about more than finding someone with the right credentials on the wall. Here are the most important criteria that genuinely make a difference to how your sale unfolds.

Experience with your type of business

An advisor who primarily has experience with large industrial businesses isn't necessarily the right choice if you're selling a small webshop — and vice versa. Ask specifically which deals the advisor has been involved in that resemble your own in size and industry.

A transparent fee model

Clarify early how the advisor is paid — fixed price, hourly rate, a results-based "success fee", or a combination. An advisor who's clear and open about the pricing structure from the start is generally a good sign. Be cautious if it's hard to get a clear answer on what it will cost in total.

Realistic expectations — not just positive talk

A good advisor tells you honestly what your business can realistically be expected to sell for, and how long it typically takes — instead of painting an exclusively optimistic picture to win the assignment. If an advisor is quick to promise a very high price without having properly reviewed your figures, it's worth being skeptical.

Network and buyer access

Part of the value of an experienced advisor is access to a relevant network of potential buyers — not just the ability to create a listing. Ask how the advisor typically finds buyers for businesses like yours.

Chemistry and trust

A business sale can take months, and you'll share sensitive information about your business and your finances along the way. Choose an advisor you genuinely trust, and can communicate openly and directly with — that has practical significance when the process gets stressed along the way.

How closely does the advisor follow the process?

Some advisors are closely involved throughout the whole process, from the first conversation to the signed agreement. Others primarily deliver an initial assessment and leave the rest to you. Clarify what you actually get — and what you need to handle yourself along the way.

Want to hear how we work, and whether it fits your situation? Read more about the Advisory & Mediation package, or book a free, no-obligation call.

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