The best time to sell is when your company is financially sound, performing steadily, and has good future prospects. Selling from a strong position often yields the highest value. We help you determine the right timing based on your personal goals, business performance, and market conditions.
Are you considering selling your business?
Selling a business is a significant step that you will likely only take once. That is precisely why it is important to organize this process properly from the start. You probably have questions. What is my business worth? When is the right time to sell? Where should I begin? And how do I find the right buyer?
At Match Plan, we have been guiding entrepreneurs through business acquisitions for over 30 years. Our M&A advisors have helped more than 1,000 entrepreneurs successfully sell their companies. That is why, on this page, you will find practical information and answers to the questions entrepreneurs ask most frequently when selling their business.
Because a business transfer is more than a transaction: it is the deal of your life.
Maximum sales proceeds
By creating competition between buyers, we achieve higher bids and better conditions.
Certainty about the company value
A professional valuation prevents you from underselling and makes you stronger in negotiations.
Access to the right buyer
We connect you with buyers who are a real fit for your business and are willing to pay for it.
When is the right time to sell your business?
There is no perfect moment to sell a business. However, the right timing can make a big difference. Factors such as the development of your company, market conditions, and your personal situation play an important role in this.
We do see, however, that a successful business sale often begins with two important questions:
- Is my business ready for a sale? Buyers look at a company's results, organization, market position, and growth potential, among other things. Even when a company is not yet fully ready for sale, it can be valuable to gain insight into the possibilities in advance.
- Am I ready for the next step? Perhaps you are thinking of pension, there are playing unforeseen health problems, whether you want to create more freedom or are ready for a new challenge. Whatever the reason, selling a business is not only a business decision, but also a personal one.
It is precisely by thinking about these questions in a timely manner that room is created to make the right choices. Not because you have to sell today, but because good preparation ensures more possibilities when the moment arrives.
What is my company worth?
The value of a company is largely determined by the profit the company generates, but also by factors such as growth opportunities, market position, and risks. Therefore, two companies with the same revenue or profit can still have very different values.
For many SMEs, the value is subsequently calculated based on the operating profit (EBITDA) and a rating multiple. Potential buyers look at, among other things:
The profitability of the company
: The higher and more stable the profit, the more attractive a company generally is to buyers. In this regard, operating profit is often considered as the starting point for valuation.
The growth opportunities
: Buyers invest not only in what a company is worth today, but especially in what it can become tomorrow. Companies with clear growth opportunities are therefore often valued higher.
The dependence on the entrepreneur
: Is the company heavily dependent on the owner for customers, knowledge, or day-to-day management? If so, this can pose a risk to a buyer and impact the value.
The market position
: A strong reputation, distinctiveness, and a stable market position make a company more attractive to potential buyers.
The organization behind the company
: An experienced management team, loyal employees, and well-structured processes ensure that a company can continue to operate successfully even after an acquisition.
To truly know what your company is worth, a rough calculation is often insufficient. A valuation by a Registered Valuator provides insight into the current value of your company and helps you think carefully about a potential sale.
Step-by-step plan for selling your company
Selling a business is a process that takes nine to twelve months on average. Although every business and situation is different, most business sales go through a number of fixed steps.
Step 1: Introduction and valuation
A sales process begins with mapping out your situation, goals, and wishes. In addition, the value of your company is assessed to create a realistic picture of the opportunities and areas for improvement.
Step 2: Preparing for the sale
Before potential buyers are approached, the company is carefully prepared for the sale. This includes, among other things, a information memorandum (IM) prepared, which includes extensive information about the company. Potential buyers are first approached with a anonymous company profile. If seriously interested, they sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), after which the IM is shared.
Step 3: Approaching potential buyers
With the sales documentation ready, the search for suitable buyers begins. The goal is not only to find a buyer, but above all a party that fits your company, employees, and future plans.
Step 4: Negotiations and letter of intent
After the initial conversations, interested buyers often bring a non-binding offer (NBO) out. Based on this, the key terms of the transaction are further elaborated. The agreements made are recorded in a letter of intent (LOI).
Step 5: Book research and contracts
After the letter of intent, the buyer conducts a due diligence out. When this is successfully completed, the final contracts will be drawn up and the final agreements recorded.
Step 6: Transfer of the business
During the handover, the final contracts are signed and the transfer of ownership takes place. For many entrepreneurs, this marks not only the end of the sales process but also the beginning of a new phase.
Who are the buyers for my company?
There are different types of buyers for a company. Which buyer best suits your company depends on your goals, the characteristics of your business, and your plans for the future. For one entrepreneur, the highest selling price is central, while another attaches more value to continuity, employees, or company culture.
Strategic buyer
: A strategic buyer is an enterprise from the same or a related sector that acquires a business to, for example, increase market share, acquire new customers, or add knowledge and employees. Due to these strategic advantages, a higher acquisition price is often possible.
Investor
: A investor or private equity firm focuses on companies with growth potential. Entrepreneurs often remain involved for some time to continue building the business together.
Management buyout (MBO)
: It existing management takes over the business. Because they already know the company, the employees, and the customers well, the transfer often proceeds smoothly and continuity remains guaranteed.
Management buy-in (MBI)
: A external entrepreneur or manager acquires the company and brings new knowledge, experience, and ideas. In addition to a financial match, a good cultural fit is also important.
Family succession
: The company is being family succession transferred to the next generation. This offers continuity, but also requires a careful consideration of both business and family interests.
The best buyer is not always the party offering the highest price. The future of the company, the employees, and the corporate culture often play an important role as well. Therefore, a successful business sale begins with defining your personal and business goals.
What is the added value of a mergers and acquisitions advisor?
Selling a business is not an everyday occurrence for most entrepreneurs. A mergers and acquisitions advisor brings experience, market knowledge, and a professional network to ensure the sales process proceeds in a structured and successful manner.
A mergers and acquisitions advisor helps with, among other things:
- A realistic valuation of your company.
- Finding the right buyer through a relevant network of strategic buyers and investors.
- Creating competition among buyers, which can lead to better terms and a higher selling price.
- Professional sales documentation and a confidential approach to the market.
- Objective guidance during negotiations, where business interests are safeguarded and emotion is removed from the process.
- Peace and focus, so you can continue to focus on the business.
Ultimately, the added value lies not only in process guidance, but above all in realizing the best possible conditions for the sale of your company.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling a Company
When is the right time to sell my business?
What's the first step if I want to sell my company?
The first step is a no-obligation introductory meeting. During this meeting, we'll discuss your needs, your business's current situation, and market opportunities. This will give you a quick overview of the process and what to expect.
How do I know what my company is worth?
The value of your company We determine this based on multiple factors, such as profitability, growth potential, and strategic position. We perform a clear analysis and provide you with a realistic valuation based on current market figures.
How long does it take on average to sell a company?
A sales process takes between nine and twelve months on average. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the company and the type of copper. We provide a structured process that takes the worry out of your hands and keeps you in control.
What makes Match Plan different from other M&A advisory firms?
Match Plan specializes in business transfers and has successfully managed over 500 projects. We combine knowledge and experience with personal commitment. You'll always have a single point of contact and an approach tailored to your specific situation.
What are the costs of selling my business through Match Plan?
We work with a transparent fee structure. Depending on the assignment, we charge an hourly rate or a combination of a fixed fee and a success-based bonus. We'll work with you to determine the approach that best suits your needs and situation.
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For guidance on business sales, we focus primarily on companies with an annual profit after owner's remuneration and before tax of €200,000 or more.
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