Introduction
We will have a non-obligatory, confidential and free dipping-toes-in-the-water meeting with you to see if the timing is right for a sale. We will run through the various operating aspects of your business and get a feel for its saleability. Together we shall then discuss the various options available to you and answer any questions you may have.

Instruction
This is the stage at which you instruct us to sell the business. Our terms of engagement are agreed in writing and we commit to selling your business at a price you are happy with, one that is consistent with the marketplace.

Documentation
You would provide us with all the necessary documents and data we require to sell the business. Please note that all your documents will be kept confidential until we have your permission to release them to an interested party.
Click here for an overview of the kind of information we are likely to ask for.

Research & marketing
We research and develop a bespoke marketing plan aimed at securing the greatest number of qualified prospects. We then produce a clear and concise 'memorandum of sale' which gives prospective purchasers a basic understanding of your company, whilst maintaining confidentiality. Your approval for all of our marketing documents will be gained prior to executing the plan.

Screening & introduction
We present your business to potential purchasers once we have gained an insight into what they are looking for. Each purchaser is screened and has to sign a confidentiality undertaking. Once the purchaser has been approved by you, we'll discuss the various components and merits of your business with them.

Meeting
If there is interest, a meeting chaired by us is set up. This gives you the opportunity to quiz the buyer, and they get to find out more about your business. Meetings can be held in neutral locations and out of hours in order to maintain confidentiality.

Offer
Once we have received an offer, we will immediately present it to you for your consideration. You may decide to accept the offer. Alternatively, you may wish us to draw up a counter-offer. At this stage most offers will be subject to contract and due diligence (see below). We will negotiate with determination to get you the best deal possible, ideally in a competitive environment with several keen purchasers.

Acceptance & Heads of Agreement
Once you have fully understood the terms of the offer and have accepted it, we prepare a document called ‘Heads of terms’. This is a mutually agreeable explanation of the deal and its terms in plain English. It is the document your solicitors will use to draw up a definitive purchase and sale contract.

Due diligence
The purchaser will want to check legally and financially that the business is all it has been presented to be. This is the most important step in a successful sale. We will maintain close liaison with the solicitors and accountants of both parties throughout to keep your deal on track.

Completion
A completion date will be set where all the parties sign the final contract. Funds are exchanged and the business is transferred. Congratulations!

How to choose a broker.
Why use Lucas & Weston?
The 10 Most Common Seller Mistakes.
Prepared for a sale? What you need to know.
Things to think about.
The sales meeting.

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