Transferring a Business Online: How Does It Work?

Just like the real estate market, the business transfer market is largely online today. On a specialized website like www.overnamemarkt.be, an initiative by UNIZO, you find loads of business profiles. These are ads prepared by the potential sellers, often anonymously, with a good description, some key figures, a strong image, and an inspiring title.

Databases like www.overnamemarkt.be are not acquisition intermediaries themselves but do open their website to professional acquisition advisors.

Anyone who wishes to take over a business or is interested in commercial real estate can view the site without prior registration and free of charge to see if there's a business listed that meets their criteria or expectations. To request more information, the prospective buyer can use the contact form to get in touch with the seller/transferor.

As a seller, you have the option to offer your business for sale entirely independently or in consultation with a trusted person or professional acquisition advisor.

What are the key points?

Good preparation before posting the advertisement (the business profile) online is crucial. Potential buyers respond quickly and primarily to new business profile ads. Therefore, determine in advance what you're selling: the activities or the company? What happens to the commercial property? Also, prepare a standard response for when you receive a contact form through the site and try to arrange a meeting as soon as possible. Ensure you have a clear balance sheet and income statement that matches publicly available data. Set a realistic selling price based on the achieved results and expectations for the next 5 years. Involve a trusted advisor or acquisition facilitator in the negotiations.

How does it practically work to offer my business data (anonymously) for sale on Overnamemarkt.be?

It's very simple: every seller can offer their business (or commercial property) for sale on the site in 5 steps.

Click here if you want to offer a business or commercial property for sale on Overnamemarkt.be

What about possible negative reactions?

Be prepared for criticism of you as an entrepreneur and your way of doing business. Pay attention to an attractive yet discreet business profile: even more so because with a non-anonymous publication on a website, "the whole world" knows you're selling. Colleagues/competitors also react, often indirectly, so be careful not to provide too many details to anyone who shows interest.

Good advice for entrepreneurs who wish to sell their business online?

Your priority is to grab attention and create curiosity. The offer should be attractive and clear, but on the other hand, raise enough questions that the potential buyer "must" respond. Quickly check if the potential buyer can pay; otherwise, many hours will be spent in vain. Moderate the information, do not communicate everything at once but gradually as you gain more confidence in a successful outcome. Stay realistic and grounded. Put yourself in the position of the prospective buyer: Why is your business so interesting to take over?