Question 1

What is Offsell?

Accepted Answer

A UK, AI-supported business sale platform for established SME owners who want to sell confidentially, without putting their business on the open market and without an upfront fee.

Question 2

Is my business publicly listed?

Accepted Answer

No. Your business is never published for everyone to browse. We identify potential acquirers and approach them confidentially.

Question 3

What does 'No upfront fees' mean?

Accepted Answer

There is no engagement fee or retainer. Nothing is payable to start your confidential sale campaign.

Question 4

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Fees only become payable once a transaction reaches an agreed deal stage: a Heads of Terms payment when Heads of Terms are signed, and the balance on completion.

Question 5

How is the success fee calculated?

Accepted Answer

Progressively: 5% on the first £1m, 4% on the next £1.5m, 3% above £2.5m. Each rate only applies to that part of the deal value. For example, a £2m deal is £50,000 + £40,000 = £90,000 + VAT. Any Heads of Terms payment already made is deducted at completion.

Question 6

What is the minimum fee?

Accepted Answer

The minimum total fee is £15,000 + VAT.

Question 7

What is the Heads of Terms fee?

Accepted Answer

A payment of around 20% of the expected total fee, due when Heads of Terms are signed and credited against the final fee.

Question 8

What if the transaction fails after Heads of Terms?

Accepted Answer

The Heads of Terms payment is not refunded if the transaction later fails to complete.

Question 9

How do you value my business?

Accepted Answer

We review your accounts and trading information, using AI-supported analysis checked by our team, and agree an indicative target value with you before any approach is made.

Question 10

Do you guarantee a buyer?

Accepted Answer

No. We can't guarantee a sale. We assess your business against current acquisition demand and wider buyer research, and approach the acquirers most likely to be interested.

Question 11

How do you find buyers?

Accepted Answer

We combine acquisition demand registered on BusinessWanted.com with our own research into strategic and financial acquirers, then approach them confidentially.

Question 12

What is BusinessWanted.com?

Accepted Answer

An independent platform where acquirers register the businesses they want to buy. Offsell uses this demand as one input into each buyer search.

Question 13

Can I exclude competitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can tell us any parties you don't want approached, and we'll exclude them.

Question 14

When is my identity disclosed?

Accepted Answer

Only with your approval, and only to a buyer who has signed an NDA.

Question 15

Do buyers sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Buyers sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving identifying information.

Question 16

Can I sell part of my business?

Accepted Answer

At launch we handle full-company sales only. If you want a partial sale, we may refer you to a specialist broker partner.

Question 17

What if I want a traditional adviser?

Accepted Answer

Offsell is platform-led early on, with experienced advisers from credible offer stage. If you'd prefer an adviser managing every step from day one, a traditional firm may suit you better.

Question 18

What financial information is required?

Accepted Answer

Typically your last three years' accounts, plus current trading information such as management accounts.

Question 19

How quickly can I start?

Accepted Answer

You can apply online today. We usually respond within one working day.

Question 20

Can I pause?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Campaigns can be paused by agreement.

Question 21

What happens if I stop responding?

Accepted Answer

Offsell invests resources into every accepted business. To keep campaigns active, sellers need to provide requested information and respond within reasonable timescales. Inactive campaigns may be paused or cancelled.

Question 22

Who negotiates the deal?

Accepted Answer

When credible offers arrive, experienced deal advisers support you through negotiation and the next stages of the transaction.

Question 23

When does an experienced adviser become involved?

Accepted Answer

From credible offer stage onwards, through Heads of Terms, due diligence and completion.

Question 24

Are you UK only?

Accepted Answer

Our managed sale service is for UK businesses.

Question 25

What sectors do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We help sell businesses across 14 sectors and 93 subsectors — see our Sectors page.

Questions owners ask us.

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