Are you planning to acquire a company?

The key point: If you choose a company from our current listings, you pay us no brokerage fee as the buyer. Our fee is paid exclusively by the seller.

There are, however, certain transaction costs associated with an acquisition. We can prepare the transaction documentation (SPA) as part of our services for the seller, which means it is completely free for you. You may still wish to have the documents reviewed by your own independent lawyer. You may also incur costs for due diligence (legal, financial and tax review of the business) if you decide it is necessary before closing.

The duration depends on the size of the business and complexity of the deal, but for small and medium-sized enterprises it typically takes 3 to 6 months from first contact.

The process usually consists of these phases:

• Analysis and indicative offer: Signing the NDA, reviewing information materials and submitting a non-binding offer (NBO).
• Due Diligence (optional): In-depth review of the target company if you decide it is needed before signing (usually 3 to 6 weeks).
• Execution phase: Negotiating the final purchase price and warranties, and signing the transaction documentation (usually 1 to 2 months).

Value is always subjective from a buyer's perspective. It depends not only on historical financials but also on future potential and synergies — how well the target fits into your existing business.

In the SME market, companies most commonly sell for 3 to 6 times average EBITDA. The price is also influenced by asset values, working capital position, client base stability and any significant risks. You can get a free indicative valuation of any business that interests you via the valuation calculator on our website. We are of course happy to help with a detailed valuation and negotiation strategy.

Tell us your criteria and we will check whether we have something suitable in our network of contacts or as a discreet off-market deal. At InBase, 80 to 90% of our sale mandates eventually appear on the website; only a smaller share remains strictly private.

Do not hesitate to leave us your contact details. As soon as a new opportunity matching your investment criteria arises, we will reach out. We also recommend subscribing to our newsletter for a regular stream of fresh listings.

Yes, for investors and strategic buyers we provide buy-side advisory. If you have a clear acquisition profile (for example, you want to buy a specific competitor or a business in a particular region with a given revenue), we will actively research the market and identify suitable targets.

We will then discreetly approach these companies on your behalf, gauge owners' willingness to discuss a sale and moderate the initial conversations. This is a bespoke paid service, typically comprising a fixed search fee and a success fee upon completion.

Having an experienced advisor on the buyer's side is standard practice. Even if you have already reached a preliminary agreement with the seller, we are happy to step in as your transaction advisors.

We will help you structure the transaction correctly (share deal vs. asset deal), coordinate the entire process and ensure the transaction documentation (SPA) includes sufficient warranties protecting you from hidden risks. This gives you confidence that the acquisition will close safely and on optimal terms.