Will a previous buyer think less of the business?

Not if there is a clear reason to look again. Unexplained repeat approaches are what tend to damage credibility.

Can a new adviser contact buyers my broker introduced?

Possibly, but check protection terms first. A fee may be payable to the previous adviser if a protected buyer completes.

Should previous buyers be the first approached?

Not necessarily. Often a fresh search of buyers not previously approached is the better starting point.

Do old NDAs still apply?

It depends on their terms and duration. Check, and put new NDAs in place where needed.

Can Previous Business Buyers Be Approached Again?

When can a re-approach make sense?

The reason for decline no longer applies
Trading has improved
The value or structure has changed
The buyer's strategy or ownership has changed
Enough time has passed for priorities to shift

Are any previous buyers protected?

If your previous agreement includes a tail or protected-buyer clause, a sale to an introduced buyer within that period may trigger a fee to the previous adviser. Identify those buyers in writing first.

What a protected buyer or tail period means

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.

How do you avoid duplicate or careless outreach?

Keep one record of who has been approached and when
Use one adviser to contact each buyer
Confirm existing NDAs still apply or put new ones in place
Explain clearly what has changed

What should you do next?

01List previous buyers and their reasons for declining.
02Check protected-buyer provisions.
03Decide which buyers have a fresh reason to engage.
04Plan a single coordinated approach.

Frequently asked questions

Will a previous buyer think less of the business?: Not if there is a clear reason to look again. Unexplained repeat approaches are what tend to damage credibility.
Can a new adviser contact buyers my broker introduced?: Possibly, but check protection terms first. A fee may be payable to the previous adviser if a protected buyer completes.
Should previous buyers be the first approached?: Not necessarily. Often a fresh search of buyers not previously approached is the better starting point.
Do old NDAs still apply?: It depends on their terms and duration. Check, and put new NDAs in place where needed.

Find out why before you simply try again.

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