Most of the deals we complete take between six and twelve months from the first conversation to completion. That said, the timeline depends on how prepared the business is before it goes to market. Owners who come to us with clean accounts, a clear picture of their recurring revenue and a team that doesn't rely on them day to day tend to move faster. We always recommend starting the conversation early, even if you're 12 to 18 months out from when you'd ideally like to exit.

It varies more than people expect. Some of our buyers are private equity backed groups building platforms across a sector, but just as often we're introducing owner-operators looking to acquire their first or second business, management teams backed by debt funding, or established regional firms looking to expand. We maintain a larger network of active buyers in the UK, Europe and Internationally and the right match depends on what matters to you, whether that's price, legacy, staff retention or speed.

In most cases, yes, for a period. Buyers in regulated sectors want a smooth handover of client and patient relationships, so a 6 to 12 month transition is common. Some sellers stay on in a reduced role for longer because they enjoy the work without the weight of ownership. We help negotiate terms that protect your time and make the transition manageable rather than open ended.

No, and honestly the earlier you talk to us the better. A lot of the value we add is in helping owners understand what buyers will look for and making targeted improvements in the 6 to 12 months before going to market. That might mean tidying up contracts, adjusting how owner earnings show in the accounts, or putting a simple ops manual in place. Small changes made early can meaningfully shift your valuation.

Recurring revenue is the major one. Contracted or subscription based income, whether that's monthly retainers, care plans or service agreements, gives buyers confidence in future earnings. Beyond that, they're looking at client concentration (ideally no single client accounts for more than 10 to 15% of revenue), a team that operates without the owner in the room every day, and clean, up to date financials. If you're unsure where you stand, that's exactly what our initial valuation conversation covers.