How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?

Hourglass showing that time is running out to sell your business

There is really no simple answer.

Selling a business isn’t like selling a house: put a price tag on it, list it, and wait for buyers to make offers. It is a complex process that takes a considerable amount of time. This is a brief summary of the process and the timelines:

Preparation: 3-5 weeks (estimated)

Preliminary meetings, valuation, determination of your objectives
Interviews to learn about your business
Gathering financial and other information from you
Preparing the Confidential Information Memorandum and Information Teaser

Marketing: 3-5 weeks (estimated)

Developing a marketing plan
Conducting buyer research
Qualifying buyers
Evaluating offers

Working with the Buyer: 8-12 Weeks

Negotiating the price, structure, and terms of the deal
Managing the due diligence process
Closing activities

Your Involvement

Since you are involved in many of these activities, the time it takes to sell your business also depends, to a great extent, on your commitment and available time. We realize you also have a business to run so it is understandable that your schedule may prolong the timeline.