Planning to Sell Your Business?
Sell a Company
Selling a company is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a business owner. At Capital & Trust, we understand the complexities involved and support sellers through every step of the process in selling your business and your business exit planning, from initial valuation to final completion.
Trusted by Business Owners Across Sectors
We’ve successfully facilitated transactions across diverse industries including accountancy, wealth management, insurance, fire & safety, and mortgage services. Our reach extends across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Dubai.
Our track record speaks for itself:
- 75% success rate in completed transactions
- Deals ranging from £200K to £85M
- Extensive experience across multiple sectors
Recent Transactions Include:
Ready to start?
If you have seen enough and you know that we are the right team for you, then give us a call on 0207-043-4300 for a free confidential informational discussion or fill in our form.
Business Exit Planning You Can Rely On
Effective business exit planning requires careful consideration of timing, valuation, and buyer matching. We tailor each strategy to align with your specific goals, whether you’re looking to maximise value, ensure business continuity, or achieve a swift transaction.
Our structured approach ensures that every aspect of your exit is thoroughly planned and executed with precision.
How Your Business is Valued
We employ industry-standard EBITDA and revenue multiple methods to provide accurate market valuations. Formal valuation reports are available on a fee basis for those requiring detailed documentation.
Our value-enhancement support is grounded in comprehensive market insight, helping you understand exactly where your business stands in the current marketplace.
Valuation FAQs:
- We combine EBITDA multiples, recurring income, and sometimes AUA percentages (for wealth management firms).
- Formal valuation reports are provided where necessary and are subject to a fee.
- We provide structured insight without offering advice on how to prepare your business for sale and improve market positioning.
- Our valuation guidance is based on market insight, aimed at maximising the sale outcomes
Find out more about how we guide businesses through Insurance M&A’s.
A Network of Serious, Vetted Buyers
Access to the right buyers is crucial when selling a company. Our network includes:
- 300+ active buyers
- All buyers operating under strict NDAs
- Private equity firms, trade buyers, and international investors
- Confidential marketing unless otherwise requested
Every buyer in our network has been thoroughly vetted to ensure serious intent and capability to complete transactions.
A Confidential Process Built Around You
When you’re ready to begin selling your business, confidentiality remains paramount throughout the entire process. We create comprehensive Information Memorandums and teaser documents whilst maintaining complete discretion.
Our systematic approach includes:
- Step-by-step process guidance
- Buyer screening to eliminate time-wasters
- Regular progress updates
- Complete confidentiality protection
Our screening process includes:
- Ensuring buyers are financially capable
- Preventing competitors from accessing sensitive info
- NDAs signed prior to sharing any material
Preparing for Due Diligence & Legal Coordination
We coordinate the establishment of secure data rooms and manage information request lists efficiently. Our team works closely with your existing lawyers and accountants to ensure seamless collaboration.
Common deal complications we help avoid:
- Incomplete financial documentation
- Regulatory compliance issues
- Contractual complications
- Timing misalignments
- Unrealistic seller expectations
- Poor EBITDA presentation or financial clarity
- Inexperienced legal advisors — we can recommend sector-specific solicitors
What to Expect When Working With Us
How long does the process typically take?
Most transactions complete within 3–6 months from initial engagement, though it can take between 3–18 months depending on sector complexity and regulatory factors such as FCA’s Change in Control (CiC) — a common timing variable outside our control.
Who will handle my transaction day-to-day?
You’ll work directly with our experienced team members who specialise in your sector, ensuring consistent communication throughout.
You will be supported by at least two team members, including a Director, for continuity and expertise throughout the deal.
How frequently will I receive updates?
We provide regular progress reports and are available for immediate consultation whenever questions arise.
Typically, you’ll hear from us weekly, and more frequently during key phases of the deal.
Do you handle negotiations on my behalf?
We handle negotiations on your behalf regarding your business sale.
Our fee is aligned with the final sale value we achieve for you.
How do I get started?
Simply register as a seller through our confidential questionnaire, and we’ll contact you within 24 hours.
Discover how we support sellers in the Wealth Management sector.
Commercial Terms You Can Trust
- No upfront fees – we only succeed when you do
- No success fees – as buy-side brokers, we’re compensated by successful acquirers
- No lock-ins or hidden charges – complete transparency throughout
- Optional services clearly outlined (such as formal valuation reports)
- No exclusivity periods or tie-ins.
- No marketing or legal prep fees unless explicitly agreed.
- All terms are disclosed in advance with no hidden extras.
Safeguards & Standards
All parties operate under comprehensive two-way NDAs, with strict staff confidentiality measures in place. Whilst we’re not regulated, we maintain the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.
Find out more about our Accountancy services.
Further Detail:
- Capital & Trust is not regulated by ICAEW, FCA, or IBBA
- However, our internal code of conduct governs all client engagements
- Every party involved — including staff and buyers — is bound by a mutual NDA
Our commitment to confidentiality and professional conduct ensures your business information remains completely secure throughout the process.
You Know Your Goals — We Align With Them
Whether your priority is preserving company legacy, achieving maximum speed to market, or optimising final valuation, every transaction is structured around your unique objectives.
We recognise that no two business sales are identical, and our proactive approach ensures your specific requirements drive the entire process.
We take time to understand your exact goals and align the process accordingly — including timing, valuation targets, buyer type, and cultural fit.
Expect to hear from us within 24 hours of registering, with complete discretion from day one.
Step One: Initial Conversation
Whether you have decided to sell your firm, or you are just starting to explore your options, get in touch and we will talk through all of the options and guide you on what might be right for your specific situation. At first contact, we will have an in-depth discussion with you to identify what you are looking for in a potential acquirer and find out more about the shape and size of your business. This will include going through your personal preferences on when you would like to exit, and the manner in which you wish to do so.
Step Two: Overview
After speaking to you initially and gathering the information we need to match you with the right acquirer, we will write up an overview on the business and then contact you to discuss the acquirers that we think you would be interested in speaking with. Once you are happy with our suggestions, we will send your overview to the acquirers to look at.
Step Three: First Meeting
Once the acquirers have decided whether they would be happy to have an initial discussion, we will arrange first meetings for you with these firms. These are usually face to face, but can be conference calls if required. Something that works quite well is coming to our office in London for a day of meetings so you can compare each firm back to back and don’t have to take too much time away from the office on separate days.
Step Four: Follow up Meetings
After your first round of meetings, we will sit down with you to talk through the pros and cons of each acquirer. We will discuss your thoughts and answer any additional questions that the meeting may have raised in your mind. We will then determine who you would like to see again to delve deeper, and book in these meetings.
Step Five: Offer Stage
After meeting the acquirer/s another couple of time and asking all the questions needed, the acquirer/s will make you an offer. We will then help you break these down to work out which offer is best for you. In some cases, these may not initially match your expectations, and this is where we can get involved in negotiations, to ensure you are getting the best possible deal.
Step Six: Heads of Terms
When you decide to sell to an acquirer and accept their offer, you will sign a Heads of Terms, this is the first stage of a sale and means you will be in an ‘exclusivity period’ whilst contracts are negotiated. This is usually a three month period, but can be longer/shorter depending on the time expected to complete the acquisition. This means you can no longer have conversations with any other acquirers. It is also the time where you can do your due diligence on the acquirer.
Step Seven: Sale and Purchase Agreement
We will be there to guide you throughout the due diligence period as this can be a confusing and invasive part of the sale process. We are also able to recommend lawyers that specialise in the space.
Step Eight: Completion
Once you have signed contracts and sold your business, we will still be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have.
Ready to Begin? Let's Talk
Take the first step towards your successful business exit. Register as a seller today for a completely confidential discussion about your options.
We guarantee proactive engagement within 24 hours of registration, maintaining complete discretion throughout our initial conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Selling a Business
When is the right time to sell a business?
Timing depends on market conditions, business performance, and shareholder goals. Preparing the business in advance can help maximise value and ensure a smooth process. Register as a Seller, to start the process with us.
How is confidentiality maintained during a sale?
Confidentiality is managed through non-disclosure agreements and controlled information sharing to protect the business, employees, and stakeholders.
Who typically buys businesses in an acquisition?
Buyers can include strategic companies, private equity firms, management teams, or investors. The right buyer is determined by fit, financial capability, and strategic objectives.
Capital and Trust is a trading name of MVP Capital Limited.
