Sell and retire with BTG Eddisons Business Sales by your side
Retiring is a milestone, and for many owners, the business they built is the key to funding it. Selling your firm well means more than simply finding a buyer.
It means securing the right price, protecting the people and the reputation you have worked for, and leaving on your own terms. The earlier you plan, the better the outcome. We usually suggest starting three to five years before your target retirement date, which gives time to strengthen the business, maximise its value, and line up a smooth handover.
That journey starts with a free, confidential consultation. We talk through your goals and your timeline, value your business as part of the process, and build a plan designed around the retirement you want.
“Planning your exit early gives you the best chance to maximise value and secure the right future for your business. At BTG Eddisons Business Sales, we specialise in helping owners retire with confidence, knowing their life’s work will continue in the right hands.”
When is the right time to sell your business and retire?
There is no single right age to sell up and retire, but a few signs suggest the time is right:
- Financial readiness: The sale would comfortably fund your retirement plans.
- Business readiness: Your business is in its strongest position to sell.
- Market conditions: Your sector is performing well, so selling now could maximise your return.
- Succession is in place: You are confident in your exit route and ready to hand over.
- Personal readiness: You are ready to step back and enjoy the next chapter.
Any of these signs resonating with you?
There is no harm in talking to us about your plans and finding out what your business sale could realistically achieve, with no obligation to proceed.
Complete our contact form to arrange an initial conversation.
When should you start planning your retirement sale?
The sooner, the better. We believe three to five years before your target date gives enough time to prepare the business for sale, maximise its value, and ensure a smooth transition of ownership.
Even if retirement still feels some way off, an early conversation helps you plan with confidence and keep your options open. Call us on 0113 340 9840 for an informal chat.
What are your exit options for retirement?
Retirement does not always mean a straightforward sale. Depending on your goals, your main options are:
|
Exit route |
Best suited to |
Key consideration |
|
Trade sale |
Most businesses |
Broadest buyer pool, typically achieves market value |
|
Management buyout (MBO) |
Businesses with a strong management team |
Continuity of leadership, funding can be complex |
|
Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) |
Owners prioritising legacy and staff |
Gradual transition, tax reliefs apply, seek advice |
|
Family succession |
Owners passing the business on |
Keeps it in the family, value and tax need planning |
|
Partial sale |
Owners not ready to step back fully |
Releases funds while you stay involved |
Thinking about retirement? Start with a conversation
Book your free consultation. We will talk you through which route best fits your plans during your consultation.
Why choose BTG Eddisons Business Sales to help you retire?
Selling the business you plan to retire on is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Here is why owners trust us with it:
- Director-led throughout: You work with the same director from instruction to completion, with no handover between departments.
- Established in 1956: Nearly seven decades selling businesses across the UK.
- £1bn of businesses sold: A proven track record across a wide range of sectors.
- 50,000 registered buyers: Your business matched discreetly to serious acquirers.
- Confidential and discreet: Most of what we sell never appears publicly, protecting you, your staff, and your customers.
- Group-backed finance: If a buyer’s funding falls through, we can arrange business finance through the BTG Group to keep your sale on track.
- Asset sales when they help: Sell surplus plant, equipment, or stock separately through BTG Eddisons Asset Sales to maximise the total value of your exit.
- Authorised and regulated by the FCA: Professional standards you can rely on.
Retire on your terms with BTG Eddisons Business Sales
Whether you are ready to retire now or simply weighing up your options, the best first step is a conversation. Contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation and find out what your business is really worth and what it could achieve on the open market.
Call 0113 340 9840, email [email protected], or complete the enquiry form below, and we will come back to you within one working day.
Sell your Business today
Please submit your enquiry and get started selling your business. We will be in touch to learn about your specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions about selling a business for retirement
What steps should I take to sell my business for retirement?
Start by getting your financial records in order, clearing debts where you can, and making sure the business can run without you. Strengthening your management team and improving efficiency shows prospective owners that the business will thrive after you step away.
