Where to Sell Your Business

When it’s time to sell your business, the platform you choose can significantly affect both the speed of the transaction and the final price achieved ^[1]. Brokers and online marketplaces vary by size, industry, and valuation range. This guide explores where to sell your business depending on its valuation, while also guiding company owners through valuation, due diligence, intellectual property, exit strategy, and the steps required for a successful sale.

Although this guide highlights the most common platforms, professional advice is essential. Solicitors, tax advisers, and wealth managers ensure compliance with UK regulations, prepare the right legal documents, and help avoid costly mistakes during the sales process.

Where is the best place to sell your business in the UK?

The best place to sell your business in the UK depends on its size and value. Larger companies often achieve the highest price on specialist brokers, mid-market firms succeed on platforms like RightBiz or BusinessesForSale.com, and smaller enterprises benefit from affordable sites such as Daltons Business or Gumtree ^[2].

Where to Sell Your Business Over £1 Million

Companies valued at over £1m attract institutional investors, private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals. These qualified buyers look for strong financial performance, consistent cash flow, and opportunities for scalability. To achieve a successful sale, owners must prepare carefully, identify the right buyer, and choose the most effective platform ^[3].

Key Factors Before Going to Market

Company Valuation

Independent valuations are essential. Overvaluation can push serious prospective buyers away, while undervaluation risks leaving money on the table. A thorough valuation considers both profits and the value of assets, helping company owners set the right asking price and secure the highest outcome

Tax Implications

Capital gains tax and reliefs such as Business Asset Disposal Relief significantly affect the seller’s net proceeds. Early planning with a solicitor or tax adviser ensures the transaction is structured efficiently.

Terms of the Sale

For firms in this bracket, deals often involve staged payments, earn-outs, or deferred consideration. These flexible structures make offers more attractive to relevant buyers.

Legal Documents

Large transactions require comprehensive contracts such as an asset purchase agreement, shareholder resolutions, and compliance documentation to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership. Preparing these before listing reassures prospective buyers and speeds up negotiations.

Best Platforms for £1m+ Companies

FE International – Specialises in SaaS, e-commerce, and content firms. Their valuation expertise and global network of buyers makes them a trusted choice.

Empire Flippers – Offers transparent valuations, a vetted investor network, and rigorous due diligence. Particularly effective for digital organisations.

Transworld Business Advisors – A global network with UK offices, providing valuation, marketing, negotiation, and solicitor-backed support throughout the sales process.

Why Structure Matters

For high-value sales, preparation and structure are as important as the platform. Aligning valuation, tax planning, and terms with buyer expectations increases the likelihood of a premium deal and ensures company owners achieve a successful sale.

Where to Sell Your Business Valued £500k–£1m

This valuation range is often considered the sweet spot. Companies here attract wealthy individuals, family offices, and smaller private investment firms. They are big enough to be scalable yet small enough to be manageable ^[4].

Key Considerations

Valuation Accuracy

Professional brokers and valuation tools help establish fair market value. Company owners who present realistic valuations are more likely to appeal to prospective buyers and secure the highest price.

Due Diligence

Buyers expect transparency in contracts, financials, intellectual property, and protections around sensitive information. Weak due diligence is one of the most common mistakes sellers make, often slowing the sales process or reducing offers.

Tax Planning

Engaging a solicitor or tax adviser early ensures you maximise reliefs and avoid unnecessary costs.

Deal Structure

Earn-outs, staged payments, and partial buy-ins widen buyer appeal. These flexible structures can improve terms for both seller and buyer.

Legal Steps in the UK

In the UK, directors’ resolutions, shareholder agreements, and employee contracts must all be reviewed. Solicitors ensure every legal step is completed to avoid delays in the sales process.

Best Platforms for £500k–£1m Companies

RightBiz – A UK-based platform with strong visibility and relevant buyers in this range.

BusinessesForSale.com – A global marketplace with a large UK audience, known for detailed listings and resources that help firm owners achieve a successful sale.

Flippa Premium – Tailored for digital ventures, offering enhanced visibility and buyer support alongside legal documentation tools.

Why Preparation Matters

Preparation ensures credibility. Valuation accuracy, strong due diligence, and flexible deal terms all contribute to smoother negotiations and faster completions. With proper planning, enterprise owners in this range can achieve a successful sale within 6–12 months and know exactly where to sell your business for maximum results.

Where to Sell Your Business Under £500k

Firms in this range attract the widest pool of prospective buyers — including first-time entrepreneurs and portfolio builders. The challenge is standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Key Considerations

Valuation

Setting a realistic valuation is crucial. Inflated figures drive away buyers, while reasonable pricing attracts relevant buyers who are ready to commit.

Due Diligence

Essential documents include financial statements, tax records, supplier agreements, employee contracts, and intellectual property protections. Sellers who present complete files inspire confidence in prospective buyers.

Buyer Affordability

Demonstrating steady cash flow and low overheads reassures smaller buyers who prioritise affordability and reliable returns.

Terms of the Sale

Flexible payment structures, such as staged payments, help widen the buyer pool and support a smoother sales process.

Common Mistakes

Overpricing, incomplete records, and lack of professional advice are frequent pitfalls. These errors not only delay the exit strategy but may also prevent a successful sale.

Best Platforms for Sub-£500k Companies

Daltons – Affordable listings for SMEs, suited to local UK firms.

Exchange Marketplace (Shopify) – Best for e-commerce sellers, connecting digital-savvy buyers with online ventures.

BizBuySell – Offers international reach and broker support.

Gumtree – A low-cost option for micro-companies under £100k, attracting first-time company owners.

Why Preparation Matters

Smaller firms often compete against many similar listings. Detailed preparation, accurate valuations, and clear growth potential make companies more attractive to relevant buyers. By knowing where to sell your firm, you increase visibility and secure stronger offers.

Best Way to Sell Under £500k

The most common method is combining a realistic valuation with the right platform. By maintaining clean records, protecting intellectual property, and offering flexible deal structures, company owners can attract qualified buyers and achieve a successful sale.

Final Thoughts: Where to Sell Your Business

Selling your company requires time, preparation, and a clear exit strategy. High-value firms perform best with global brokers such as FE International or Empire Flippers. Mid-range companies thrive on RightBiz or BusinessesForSale.com, while smaller firms often succeed with cost-effective sites like Daltons, Exchange Marketplace, or Gumtree.

By aligning valuation, legal documents, intellectual property, tax planning, and the operating model with the right platform, firm owners maximise both visibility and financial outcome ^[5]. Understanding where to sell your business ensures you reach relevant buyers, streamline the sales process, and achieve the highest price from qualified buyers.