Buy or Sell a Business With Confidence
Buying or selling a business can be both exciting and nerve-wracking - there are many potential financial risks and lots of emotions involved. Use our expert guidance for buying or selling a business in Canada to complete your transaction with confidence and compliance.
Key Highlights
Who This Service Is For
- Entrepreneurs planning to buy or sell a small or mid-sized business
- Business owners preparing for succession or exit
- Investors evaluating business acquisitions in Canada
- Buyers seeking financing or optimal tax structuring
Benefits
- Accurately assess the fair market value of a business
- Reduce tax liabilities through optimal deal structuring
- Identify financial red flags before committing to a deal
- Secure the necessary documentation to support financing or sale
Deliverables
- Financial due diligence reports evaluating health and risk
- Fair market value analysis and price assessment
- Tax-efficient transaction structuring (share vs. asset sale)
- Financing-ready documentation and advisory support
Explore Our Purchase and Sale of a Business Services
- Due Diligence for Business Purchases – We conduct a thorough review of the business you’re planning to buy, analyzing financial statements, tax filings, cash flow, and liabilities. Our due diligence helps uncover red flags and ensures you understand the true financial position before making an offer.
- Business Valuation Support – Whether you're buying or selling, we assess fair market value by analyzing financials, industry benchmarks, and asset performance. We ensure your transaction price reflects reality—not just an asking price.
- Tax-Efficient Structuring of Sale or Purchase – We advise on the most tax-advantageous structure for your transaction, whether it involves asset or share sales, holding companies, or capital gains planning—helping you reduce tax payable.
- Financing and Investment Package Preparation – For buyers, we prepare professional financial documents and forecasts needed to secure financing from lenders or investors, increasing your chances of approval.
- Post-Transaction Tax Planning – After a sale or purchase, we provide guidance on how to integrate the new business into your existing tax strategy—covering income splitting, owner remuneration, and future growth planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an asset sale and a share sale?
In an asset sale, the buyer purchases specific business assets (like equipment, inventory, goodwill), while the seller retains the legal entity. In a share sale, the buyer purchases ownership of the company itself, including all assets and liabilities. Each structure has different tax and legal implications for both buyer and seller.
How is a business valued before a sale or purchase?
Business valuation typically considers a combination of earnings (like EBITDA), asset value, industry multiples, and future growth potential. We perform a financial analysis to help determine fair market value and support negotiations.
How can I reduce taxes when selling my business?
You may be eligible for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (up to $1,250,000) if you’re selling shares of a Qualified Small Business Corporation. We can help structure the sale and confirm eligibility to minimize or eliminate capital gains tax.
What documents are needed to perform due diligence on a business I want to buy?
We typically review tax returns, financial statements, bank records, legal contracts, employee agreements, and existing debt obligations. These documents help us assess financial health, liabilities, and operational risks.
Can I get financing to buy a business, and how can you help?
Yes, many buyers use loans or investor funding to finance a business purchase. We assist in preparing business plans, forecasts, and financial packages that lenders require to evaluate and approve your loan application.
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