Planning your business exit is a big decision. Whether you’re retiring, moving on to a new venture, or simply ready to cash in, the way you exit matters—not just financially, but legally too. Choosing the right strategy and getting proper legal advice can make the difference between a smooth transition away from the Company or a stressful one.

We set out below some of the most common ways, and how we here can assist you.

Selling Your Shares

Selling your shares in the company is one of the most straightforward ways to exit. You transfer ownership to a buyer—often another shareholder, a competitor, or a private investor—and walk away.

But there’s more to it than signing on the dotted line. You’ll need a detailed agreement (called a Share Purchase Agreement) that sets out the terms of the sale, including the warranties (contractual promises) you’re giving about the business and what risks you’re still responsible for, or indemnities liable for.

We can help with the drafting or review of these agreements, ensuring that it better protects you and clear up any areas of uncertainty. Ensuring that items like caps on your liability are key in protecting you going forward

Selling the Business’s Assets

In some cases, it makes more sense to sell specific assets rather than the whole company. This could include equipment, intellectual property, contracts, or even customer lists.

This route can be more complex legally. You’ll need to transfer ownership of each asset properly, and some contracts may require permission to transfer. If employees are affected, employment law comes into play—especially TUPE regulations.

We can assist you with ensuring that each Asset is transferred correctly, as well as ensuring that TUPE Regulations (relating to any employees) are abided by.

Management Buyout (MBO)

A management buyout involves your own team buying the business from you. It’s a popular option when you want to keep the company in trusted hands.

However, it raises legal questions—especially around conflicts of interest and how the deal is financed. There needs to be ownership, responsibilities, and what happens if things go wrong. It may seem that by selling to someone that has an existing knowledge of the Company may make it easier, but this approach still needs careful consideration.

Merging with Another Business

Sometimes, the best exit is a strategic merger or acquisition. This could mean combining with a competitor or selling to a larger company looking to expand.

These deals often involve a mix of share and asset transfers, and they require careful planning to align operations, contracts, and staff. These often come with a full due diligence process. We can assist with the facilitation of this and/or review of documentation.

How we can help

Exiting a business isn’t just about the money—it’s about protecting yourself, avoiding future disputes, and making sure the process is smooth and secure.

We can help you:

  • Understand your options
  • Avoid legal pitfalls
  • Negotiate better terms
  • Comply with regulations
  • Protect your personal and financial interests
  • Provide advice on post-termination restrictions
  • Simplify and streamline the due diligence process

Whether you’re planning an exit or just exploring your options, getting legal advice early can save you time, stress, and money.

Talk to our team

Ashton Carter and our Corporate & Commercial team at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, are here to guide you through every step of planning your business exit. For further information or to discuss your specific situation, please do not hesitate to contact our team using our online contact form or call 08081 891 596.