Before you appoint a broker, give Jetland 10 days.
If you are considering selling an established UK business, there may be value in speaking directly to a prospective buyer before beginning a wider sale process. Jetland can normally establish quickly whether the business fits our acquisition criteria and whether there is a basis for a transaction. We're also 100% discreet.
You are under no obligation at any stage, and speaking to us does not commit you to putting the business on the market.
A call. A visit. A formal offer. Usually within 7–10 days.
- 1
A call.
A confidential telephone conversation, usually less than thirty minutes to get an understanding of the business, sector, staffing, financial headlines and reason for sale. You do not need papers prepared in advance. If it is clear early on that the business is not a fit for Jetland, we say so on the call.
- 2
A visit.
If there appears to be a fit, we come to you — anywhere in the UK, usually within 7 days. We would expect to see the premises, understand how the work actually gets done and discuss the position properly in person. This is a discussion between principals, arranged at a time and place that protects confidentiality.
- 3
A formal offer.
Where we want to proceed, we put a written proposal to you — normally within 7–10 days of first contact. It sets out the price, the structure, what we would expect of you after completion, and the timetable. You can take it to your accountant or solicitor and consider it in your own time.
If the proposal works for both sides, lawyers and due diligence follow at an agreed pace.
Any proposal is non-binding and subject to normal due diligence, funding where applicable and legal documentation. The 7–10 day timescale refers to a written proposal, not to legal completion.
A short conversation costs you very little
A formal sale process asks a great deal of an owner before anyone has said what they would pay: preparation, an information memorandum, listing fees, marketing, a series of meetings with buyers who may or may not be serious.
Speaking to Jetland first asks for a telephone call and, if there is a fit, an afternoon of your time. If we make a proposal, you are better informed about what the business is worth to a direct buyer before you decide whether to go to market at all. If we do not, you have lost very little and nothing has been made public.
There are also no charges or costs incurred.
Questions owners usually ask first
Will my employees know?
No. Initial discussions are confidential.
Do I need an information memorandum?
No. Start with recent accounts and a straightforward conversation.
Do I need to have decided exactly what I want?
No. Jetland can discuss timing, continued involvement and transaction structure after understanding the business.
Do I need a broker?
Not to speak to Jetland.
What happens if Jetland is not interested?
We will tell you directly rather than keep you in a process that is unlikely to lead anywhere. We will try to recommend other options where possible.
Already tried to sell?
If the business has already been listed and marketed and a transaction was not concluded, Jetland is happy to look at the position again.
Considering a sale? Start with a confidential conversation.
Call David Landsberg directly:
Or his mobile:
No obligation. No commitment to put the business on the market.
David Landsberg
Managing Partner, Jetland LLP