Selling a business

1. Who should I sell my business to?
2. What advisers will I need?
3. How can I make sure my advisers work well together?
4. How much will my business be worth?
5. What alternatives are there to an immediate cash payment and should I be prepared to accept them?
6. How much will it cost to sell my business?
7. How long will it take to sell my business?
8. How do I market my business?
9. How can I protect myself while the business is being marketed?
10. Am I free to carry on running the business as I choose until the sale is completed?
11. What do I need to find out about buyers?
12. Should I give my preferred buyer an exclusive negotiating period?
13. What are heads of terms?
14. Can a buyer pull out after signing heads of terms?
15. What role do I have in the buyer's due diligence?
16. Do I have to tell the buyer about any business problems I am aware of?
17. Will I have any responsibilities or liabilities after the sale?
18. What warranties and indemnities will I need to give?
19. How can I limit my liability under the warranties I give?
20. Will I have to sign any covenants or other agreements?
21. What happens on completion?
22. How can I minimise my tax liability on the money I receive from the sale?