Do I owe my broker anything after the agreement expires?

Possibly. Outstanding retainers or a fee on a protected buyer may still apply. Check the agreement and ask a solicitor if unclear.

Can I sell to a buyer my broker introduced after the agreement ends?

You can, but a fee may still be payable if that buyer is protected under a tail provision. Check the wording before proceeding.

Should I ask for a list of protected buyers?

Yes. A written list avoids disputes and lets a new adviser plan around those buyers.

Can I relaunch straight away?

Sometimes. It depends on why the first process stopped and on any protection period. Diagnose first.

Business Broker Agreement Expired? What Next

Has the agreement actually ended?

Some agreements end on a fixed date; others roll on until notice is given. Confirm the end date in writing with your adviser.

This is general information, not legal advice. The exact effect of exclusivity, notice, protected-buyer and fee clauses depends on the wording of the agreement you signed, so ask a solicitor to review it where anything is unclear.

What can continue after expiry?

Obligation	What to check
Protected buyers / tail period	Which buyers are covered, for how long, and what would trigger a fee.
Outstanding fees	Any retainer or costs still payable.
Confidentiality	Ongoing duties on both sides, and NDAs signed by buyers.
Information	Return or deletion of information memoranda, data and buyer lists.

What a protected buyer or tail period means

Authoritative UK sources

What should you review before appointing a new adviser?

Buyers approached and their responses
Feedback on value and risk
Where the process stopped
Whether trading has changed
Which buyers are still protected

How to choose a business broker

What should you do next?

01Confirm the end date and any notice requirements in writing.
02Ask for the list of protected buyers, if your agreement includes one.
03Request the buyer activity record and feedback.
04Decide what will be different before relaunching.

Frequently asked questions

Do I owe my broker anything after the agreement expires?: Possibly. Outstanding retainers or a fee on a protected buyer may still apply. Check the agreement and ask a solicitor if unclear.
Can I sell to a buyer my broker introduced after the agreement ends?: You can, but a fee may still be payable if that buyer is protected under a tail provision. Check the wording before proceeding.
Should I ask for a list of protected buyers?: Yes. A written list avoids disputes and lets a new adviser plan around those buyers.
Can I relaunch straight away?: Sometimes. It depends on why the first process stopped and on any protection period. Diagnose first.

Find out why before you simply try again.

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Off-market · Confidential · What to do when a business doesn't sell