--- title: M&A Advisory for SME Business Sales and Acquisitions | Branta description: Branta advises SME owners, management teams and professional advisers on business sales, acquisitions, MBOs, MBIs and shareholder transactions. --- [Branta](https://www.branta.co.uk/?hsLang=en) [Book a call](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) Menu [M&A](https://www.branta.co.uk/m-and-a-advisory?hsLang=en) [Raising Finance](https://www.branta.co.uk/raising-finance?hsLang=en) [Advisory](https://www.branta.co.uk/advisory?hsLang=en) [Evaluator Reports](https://www.branta.co.uk/independent-evaluator-report?hsLang=en) [Case Studies](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies?hsLang=en) [Fees](https://www.branta.co.uk/fees?hsLang=en) [People](https://www.branta.co.uk/people?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) [M&A](https://www.branta.co.uk/m-and-a-advisory?hsLang=en)| [Raising Finance](https://www.branta.co.uk/raising-finance?hsLang=en)| [Advisory](https://www.branta.co.uk/advisory?hsLang=en)| [Evaluator Reports](https://www.branta.co.uk/independent-evaluator-report?hsLang=en)| [Case Studies](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies?hsLang=en)| [Fees](https://www.branta.co.uk/fees?hsLang=en)| [People](https://www.branta.co.uk/people?hsLang=en)| [Contact](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) M&A Advisory # Business sales and acquisitions need more than a willing buyer Selling a business. Buying one. Completing an MBO or MBI. These are not everyday events for most SME owners. Branta helps you prepare properly, create options, structure the deal and keep the process moving through to completion. [Discuss your situation](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) [See how we help](https://www.branta.co.uk/m-and-a-advisory#selling) ## Selected M&A work Examples of Branta supporting SME shareholders through real transactions. ### [Sale to management buy-in team Structured process with buyer identification and funding solution. Outcome: Successful exit at strong valuation](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies/tickitape-sale?hsLang=en) ### [International sale of a £6.5m revenue haircare brand Previous sale attempts had stalled. Branta introduced structure and buyer engagement. Outcome: Completed sale to strategic buyer](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies/haircare-business-sale?hsLang=en) ### [Independent evaluation enabling distressed business sale Connected-party transaction required independent evaluation to proceed. Outcome: Sale completed, jobs safeguarded](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies/independent-evaluation-distressed-sale?hsLang=en) ## Transactions are rarely just about finding a buyer or seller A good deal depends on preparation, positioning, negotiation, funding, timing and execution. That is where many SME transactions become difficult. The opportunity may be real, but the process is unclear, the value is uncertain, or the deal is not yet fundable. Branta brings structure, commercial judgement and hands-on execution to business sales, acquisitions and shareholder transactions. ## Selling a business Selling a company is not just about putting it in front of buyers. It needs preparation, positioning and control. We help shareholders understand value, buyer appetite, likely deal structure and what needs to be done before approaching the market. ### Preparation and positioning We shape the story, understand the numbers and prepare the business before approaching buyers. ### Buyer identification We identify credible buyers and approach them in a controlled, professional way. ### Negotiation and structure We support valuation, heads of terms, deferred consideration, earn-outs and key commercial points. ### Completion support We help keep the deal moving through due diligence, funding, legal process and completion. ## Buying a business Acquisitions can be an excellent way to grow, but finding and completing the right deal takes more than waiting for opportunities to appear. Branta helps buyers define what they are looking for, identify targets, approach owners and structure deals that can actually complete. ### Acquisition strategy We help define what makes a good target, what to avoid and what a sensible deal structure might look like. ### Target search We identify and approach potential targets, including off-market businesses where appropriate. ### Deal structuring We support valuation, heads of terms, deferred consideration, earn-outs and funding structure. ### Funding coordination We help align the transaction with lenders, investors or other funding sources so the deal can complete. ## We don’t just wait for deals to appear Many advisers rely on inbound enquiries, brokered opportunities or referrals that happen to cross their desk. That can work, but it is passive. Branta takes a more active approach. We identify opportunities, approach relevant parties, test appetite and create momentum. If the right transaction is not already in front of you, we can help create the opportunity. ## You may need M&A support if - You are thinking about selling in the next one to three years - You have had an approach from a buyer and are unsure how to respond - You want to acquire another business but do not know where to start - You have seen a target but need help with valuation, structure or funding - You are considering an MBO, MBI or shareholder exit - You need someone to manage the process while you continue running the business ## For professional advisers Accountants, lawyers, lenders and other advisers often introduce clients to Branta when a transaction is possible but needs specialist handling. We understand the responsibility that comes with an introduction. We communicate clearly, protect the relationship and focus on outcomes that reflect well on everyone involved. ## How we typically work Every transaction is different, but most engagements combine a modest retainer with a success fee aligned to outcome. This reflects the reality of M&A: preparation, process management and deal execution all require sustained input over time. In some situations — particularly targeted acquisition searches or specific advisory work — we may structure engagements differently. We’ll always explain the options clearly at the outset, so you understand what’s involved and how incentives are aligned. [See how we typically structure fees](https://www.branta.co.uk/fees?hsLang=en) ## Not sure whether to proceed with a sale or acquisition? If you’re not yet sure whether this is the right route, a Strategic Options Review is often the best place to start. [Start with a Strategic Options Review](https://www.branta.co.uk/strategic-options-review?hsLang=en) ## Considering a sale, acquisition or shareholder transaction? The earlier we talk, the more options you are likely to have. Book a confidential call and we’ll help you understand what the next sensible step looks like. [Discuss your situation](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) **Branta** [M&A](https://www.branta.co.uk/m-and-a-advisory?hsLang=en) | [Raising Finance](https://www.branta.co.uk/raising-finance?hsLang=en) | [Advisory](https://www.branta.co.uk/consultancy-turnaround?hsLang=en) | [Evaluator Reports](https://www.branta.co.uk/independent-evaluator-report?hsLang=en) | [Case Studies](https://www.branta.co.uk/case-studies?hsLang=en) | [Fees](https://www.branta.co.uk/fees?hsLang=en) | [People](https://www.branta.co.uk/people?hsLang=en) | [Contact](https://www.branta.co.uk/contact?hsLang=en) © 2026 Branta® | Branta Advisory Ltd (Company No. 11698368) | All rights reserved.