Buying or selling a business

Buying or selling a business is a significant milestone and the right approach can make all the difference. Whether you’re acquiring a business or preparing for its sale, understanding the legal, financial, and operational aspects is key.

These transactions typically involve either the sale of shares or the sale of a business and its assets – each type with its own complexities. Having the right corporate legal expertise ensures a smooth process, protecting your interests at every step of the way.

When buying a business, it’s essential to have a clear strategy. Here are three key questions to ask yourself:

1. What are the key assumptions behind your purchase price and expected return?
Due diligence can be time-consuming, and so focusing on the most critical areas will save you time and money. Understanding the key financial and operational assumptions behind your purchase will help you prioritise the areas that matter most. Our team can help you identify these focus points, streamline your due diligence process, and allocate and mitigate related risk.

2. What’s your timeline?
Momentum is crucial in any transaction. Setting a clear, realistic timeline helps manage expectations and keeps everyone accountable. We proactively project-manage transactions to help you stay on track and achieve a successful outcome.

3. What kind of relationship do you want with the seller or key employees post-sale?
In many cases, particularly with owner-managed businesses, sellers stay involved for a transition period post-sale. Whether through an earn-out arrangement or a fixed-term contract, having a positive working relationship can make post-sale integration smoother. We take the time to understand your long-term goals and help structure the deal in a way that supports them.

Bonus consideration: do you have the right support?

Selling a business while continuing to run it can be overwhelming. Having the right legal and financial advisors, as well as a solid internal team, makes the process far more manageable. We provide practical guidance and personal support, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Why choose 3volution?

We know buying or selling a business isn’t just a transaction, it’s a big milestone. That’s why we take a personal, hands-on approach, working closely with you to navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Our team has extensive experience advising business owners, directors, and investors, ensuring you receive expert guidance that keeps you on track and aligns with your goals.

Whether you’re buying a business, preparing for a sale, or need help negotiating key terms, we offer pragmatic, commercially focused advice that keeps things straightforward. We simplify complexity, manage risk, and help you make informed decisions—so you can move forward knowing you have the right corporate legal support behind you.

Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward with confidence.