Are you looking to sell your business, pass it on, or bring in new owners? A change of ownership is one of the most significant events in your professional and personal life. And Gravitate is here to guide you through the process so you can execute a transaction that meets all your goals and protects value.
A successful ownership change isn’t just about finding a buyer and agreeing a price. It requires preparation, clear strategy, and careful execution across multiple areas.
Contact UsWe take you through the different routes available, including a trade sale, private equity, management buy-out/buy-in (MBO/MBI), or Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). We will make sure you know all the practical, tax, and personal implications of each. Together, we will find the best route that aligns with your goals.
Every owner has different priorities. Some want maximum sale value, others want to protect staff or preserve legacy, while some prefer a phased exit. We will work closely with you to set clear objectives, map timelines, and build a tailored strategy that reflects what matters most.
Buyers will always have their own perspective on value, and this can create friction. We will arm sellers with a robust and realistic valuation, highlighting the factors that drive (or reduce) worth, and benchmarks against recent market transactions.
Beyond the numbers, we position businesses with compelling growth narratives that resonate with potential buyers or investors.
Deal momentum can stall if financials are messy or compliance issues surface. With the help of our trusted solicitor and financial advisory partners, we help you normalise accounts, address irregularities, resolve tax risks, and ensure key contracts (customers, suppliers, leases, IP, staff) are in order.
From initial discussions all the way through to deal completion, we coordinate the entire process. That means identifying and approaching the right buyers, leading negotiations, overseeing due diligence, and working with legal and tax advisors. Our commitment is to keep everything moving while you stay focused on running the business.
Buyers can test the resilience of sellers, with lots of questions about things like key staff reliance, operational weaknesses, or regulatory exposures. We help you anticipate these challenges early, help you fix them, and present the business at its best. By removing uncertainty, we strengthen your negotiating position and protect against unnecessary value erosion.
This is a critical question that should be considered long before any transaction is planned; understanding which exit route to follow may impact how best you can prepare in the years leading up to your exit.
Of course, there’s no single “right” answer: it depends on your goals, your business, and your legacy. We can guide you through the main routes and help you decide which option is the best fit.
A trade sale means selling your business to another company, often within your sector. This route is usually chosen when the buyer sees strategic value, such as expanding their customer base, gaining access to intellectual property, or achieving economies of scale.
For owners looking for the highest price and a clean exit, this is often the preferred route.
An MBO involves selling your business to your existing management team, while an MBI brings in external managers to lead the business. These options are attractive if you want continuity, know your management team well, or want to preserve company culture.
For owners who want to see the business in trusted hands, an MBO/MBI provides a balanced route, releasing value while protecting the future of the company.
An EOT allows you to transfer the majority of your shares into a trust, which holds them on behalf of employees. It has become increasingly popular in the UK thanks to generous tax reliefs and the ability to reward loyal staff.
For owners motivated by legacy, culture and fairness, an EOT offers a highly rewarding route that keeps your business independent and puts employees at the heart of ownership.
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