How long does it take to sell a company?
Selling an SME in Spain usually takes between 6 and 12 months from the start of the process to signing. It can stretch to 18 months if there are several shareholders, real estate, significant debt or if the business depends heavily on its owner. A preparation phase of several months beforehand should be added to organize the financial information and fix the weak points a buyer would find in due diligence.
What are the phases of a company sale process?
An orderly sale process has six phases: 1) preparation and valuation of the company; 2) preparing the sale materials (anonymous teaser and sale memorandum or CIM); 3) approaching potential buyers and signing confidentiality agreements; 4) receiving and selecting indicative offers; 5) the buyer's due diligence; and 6) negotiating the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) and closing. An M&A adviser coordinates every phase to keep to the timetable and maintain competitive tension among buyers.
When is the best time to sell my company?
The best time to sell is when the company shows stable or growing results and the owner is under no rush or pressure to sell. Selling in a good cycle lets you negotiate from a position of strength and obtain a better price. It is advisable to start preparing the transaction 12 to 24 months before the planned sale, especially in retirement or generational handover situations.
How is confidentiality protected during the sale?
By controlling the flow of information: first contact with buyers is made with an anonymous teaser, interested parties sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before accessing any data, and a small number of contacts is maintained at every phase of the transaction.
What role do taxes play in the sale?
Taxation determines how much the seller ultimately receives. That is why we analyse the tax impact of the transaction and its structure from the outset, and coordinate the work with tax and legal advisers throughout the process.
Can only part of the company be sold?
Yes. Bringing financial or strategic partners into the share capital is one of the transactions we advise on. Before starting, it is worth defining what you are looking for: liquidity, a partner who brings capabilities, or preparing the owner's succession.
What kind of companies do you work with?
We support SMEs, business owners and family offices from anywhere in Spain from our Valencia office.