Step-by-Step Plan for Selling a Small Business (Seller's Perspectiv)

In this article, you'll get a clear overview of each step in the sales process, broken down into successive stages, with useful information and resources to help you learn and prepare further.

Even as a buyer, understanding the phases the seller has gone through before putting their business up for sale is valuable.

Business Transfer Process (Seller's Perspective)

1. Awareness
   You're thinking about selling your business for personal reasons (like retirement, health, personal situation) or business challenges (e.g., a changing market).

• Orientation & Research
  You’re exploring who might take over your business: via
• a family transfer,
• MBO (management buyout),
• someone from your network (client, supplier, colleague, or competitor)
• or a third party (where the business transfer platform Overnamemarkt.be or plateformedetransmission.be can strongly support you).

You also consider whether you can handle this independently or with an advisor's help (accountant, tax advisor, lawyer, transfer mediator, or Overnamemarkt.be support program). Tax implications and readiness play an important role at this stage.

1. Valuation
   For small transfers, Overnamemarkt – Tailored Advice offers Support for Business Sellers |… | Overnamemarkt including a clear basic analysis and valuation, which is crucial for finding the right buyers.
2. Drafting a Business Profile or Teaser
   An anonymous and detailed profile of your business with relevant key figures and visual content, enhancing buyer interest.
3. Finding Potential Buyers
   Use online and offline channels to attract potential buyers, aiming for the ideal buyer.
4. Contact & Negotiations
   You engage in discussions with interested candidates. You can determine an exclusivity period and manage offers. Setting break-up fees can secure arrangements.
5. Letter of Intent & Due Diligence
   The candidate performs a thorough check: financial audits, legal and operational checks. Lease or commercial rental contracts are often reviewed at this stage to verify the stability of the premises.
6. Conclusion
   The sale concludes with an agreement, simultaneous asset transfer (business assets) or share transfer, and payment of the sale price, leading to a successful sale.
7. Follow-Up
   Staff, customers, and suppliers are informed. As the seller, you often remain involved for some time to support the new owner.

What Overnamemarkt Can Do for You

1. Informative Support throughout the process via the platform and experts. Support for Business Sellers |… | Overnamemarkt
2. Basic Offer: You can post an ad with your business profile to attract interested buyers yourself. Check out examples of businesses and shops for sale on Overnamemarkt Business Transfers | Overnamemarkt
3. Templates & Contracts: We offer standard transfer contracts and informative advice.

Stay Informed and Prepared

1. Information Sessions Think Early about Later www.denkvroegeraanlater.be – registrations available from September
   During the Business Transfer Week, we organize information sessions, webinars, and roundtables. Themes vary from transfer to retirement planning — an ideal opportunity to start your preparation early.
2. Free Advisory Consultations (Individual Consultations)
   Every month, we offer individual advisory consultations (online or in UNIZO offices in Brussels) via Overnamemarkt, Plateformedetransmission so you can get advice and feedback at any time.

Quick Overview

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