Questions owners and buyers ask

It varies a lot. Preparation can take months, and once a business is on the market, finding a buyer and closing often takes several more. A well prepared business with clean books usually moves faster.

It depends on earnings, risk and the market. Smaller businesses are often discussed as a multiple of SDE and larger ones as a multiple of EBITDA. Your multiple might be 1.5, it might be 5, depending on many factors. See the value page.

Buyers see an anonymous summary first and sign a non disclosure agreement before they learn your name or see your numbers.

It depends on tax, liabilities and contracts. Buyers often prefer assets; sellers often prefer shares. Your lawyer and accountant should lead this.

Possibly, if you sell qualifying small business corporation shares. The CRA lists a limit of $1,275,000 for 2026. Check eligibility with your accountant.

In an asset sale it usually needs to be assigned with landlord consent. In a share sale it stays with the company, though some leases have change of control clauses.

Usually later in the process, once a deal is firm, and planned together with the buyer. Every situation is different.

In BC, helping someone sell a business for pay can require a real estate licence, especially where a lease or land is involved. See the BCFSA consumer guide.

No. Until the deal closes, a buyer working inside your business is learning your customers, staff and methods with nothing signed. Agree on a training and transition period after closing instead.

No. “Not applicable” and “we don’t track that” are fine answers. Fast and honest beats complete and late.

Sometimes, yes. A buyer may want its customers, location, equipment, licences or team. Expect a price closer to the value of the assets than a multiple of earnings.

Usually not. Keep it simple. Every extra moving part is another reason for someone to back out.

Look at your lease a year or two before you plan to sell, and sort out term and renewal as an ordinary tenant if you can. Bring up the sale itself once you have a serious buyer, and check the assignment clause first.

Proof of funds or lender pre-approval, your relevant experience, who else decides, your timeline, and a written offer with a modest refundable deposit.

The seller lends the buyer part of the price, repaid over time with interest. See the vendor financing guide.

Part of the price is paid later, only if the business hits agreed targets after closing. It can bridge a gap on price, but it needs very clear terms. See the vendor financing guide.