Buy a Business UK: How Long Does the Acquisition Process Take

 

Think trying to buy a UK business is simply about making an offer and waiting for the rest to fall into place? Even if you have the funds you might be surprised by how long the process can take.

Based on our in-depth market knowledge of a wide range of business acquisitions, the process to buy a company will take between 6 and 12 months. This is regardless of the business size, though larger acquisitions can take longer to complete. Bear in mind that a year-long timescale will cover everything. That is, from initial research into the market to the exchange of contracts and, ultimately, completion.

As such, some buyers need to rethink their plans for business acquisition. Many buyers have an unrealistic view of how rapidly they will be able to proceed with a purchase.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that buying a going concern is not like buying a car. That is, working out the make and model of the car you want and then filling in the financing paperwork. Frequently, business buyers are purchasing something highly personal to the seller. It is likely to constitute something they have invested a lot of time and effort – not to mention money – into. Therefore, buying a commercial enterprise should be thought of as something akin to buying a home. You just don’t do it overnight.

 

Buy a Business UK – Speeding the Acquisition Process Up

Many people who have decided to buy a UK business are understandably keen to get on with the process. Perhaps you want to work for yourself for the first time following a redundancy package and have money to invest.

There again, you might already run a business and want to acquire another in your sector to increase your market share. Alternatively, you might simply be at a loose end following the sale of your previous business and are now ready to return to the commercial fray. Whatever your reasons for acquiring an enterprise, few entrepreneurs are truly patient; most just want to get the job of buying over with.

The buying process can be quicker if you have already done your homework and defined the type of business you’re looking for. If you have a scatter-gun approach, then it will take you longer to find a business that fits your model. It is ultimately down to narrow your searches so that you have greater focus.

This might include only seeking those with turnovers above a certain level or those who operate in certain market sectors. Alternatively, you might only wish to search for businesses to acquire that trade in certain regions or that are franchises. The more you narrow your searches, the better the chances are for a successful early acquisition.

 

Target Low Investment Areas of the Economy

One surefire way of speeding up the process of buying a business is to look into sectors that are struggling to raise business finance or lending. It can be quicker to buy a business, even one that is perfectly solvent if it happens to operate in a market that is going through tough economic times. Such businesses find it hard to raise capital by other means, such as borrowing from banks. Indeed, owners of such companies may want to exit quickly or have been waiting for some time to find a genuine buyer.

In such cases, it is possible to expect quicker sale timescales than the average and for matters to proceed more rapidly. Nevertheless, buyers still need to realise that few business sales of this type will proceed immediately. They should come in at timescales that are beneath the average.

 

Temper Your Expectations

Buyers without a realistic idea of timescales will go into the process without the right expectations. This can lead to negotiations breaking down. If you are expecting a business purchase to take around a year, then you won’t become impatient if the procedure drags on. All too often, buyers pull out because of perfectly reasonable delays caused by the necessary detail needed for adequate due diligence.

Expect the seller or their lawyer to inspect your business dealings carefully too. Most business owners won’t sell to just anyone. Their staff and management team ought to feel the sale is being made to an appropriate person and all this takes time.

Instead of becoming frustrated with the perception of delays and apparent lack of will on the part of the seller, you need to maintain your focus, energy and attention on the acquisition process. If you don’t then, you can cause unwarranted delays yourself. The seller may even choose to look elsewhere or to take the business off the market altogether!

Avoiding Acquisition Failures

Purchasing a business involves several key steps and can vary in duration. Identifying small businesses that meet your criteria is the initial challenge. Once you find the right business and the right business opportunity, making an initial offer typically through a letter of intent (LOI), sets the purchase price and terms. Negotiating this phase is essential.

After reaching an agreement, the purchase process moves to the drafting and finalization of the purchase agreement, which outlines all the specifics of the transaction. This phase requires careful consideration and may involve legal and financial due diligence.

Ultimately, the time it takes to buy an existing business can vary widely based on factors like the complexity of the deal and the businesses you are targeting. Patience and diligence are essential as you navigate this process.

Remember that business deals can fall through at any time. This is just the same with business acquisitions as it is with any other form of commerce. If you ‘put all your eggs in one basket’ and only focus on a single business that you want to buy, then you will waste time if that deal fails to proceed.

 

Put Yourself in the Best Position to Buy a Business

Having realistic expectations about how long it takes to buy a business is crucial for securing a successful acquisition. Here at Unloq, we put our buyers in the best position to make an informed decision. We help clients maintain momentum throughout the process and introduce serious opportunities. If you are interested in business acquisition call us on 01962 609 000, or contact our business acquisitions team through this website. Furthermore, if you are interested in selling, contact our sibling business Firm Gains