Retiring in 2025? Here’s How to Sell Your Business the Smart Way
If you think that it’s time for you to finally pass on that business you own to someone else, then so be it. But it’s not an immediate action, as it needs proper preparation, and that too needs to be planned long before you finally sell the company.
The 2025 market is ripe because most companies for sale in Edmonton, Alberta, are functioning well because of a stable economy and expanding buyer pool. But selling it right is more than just listing the business online. Read this blog to know what you should do.
Follow These Steps, Sell Your Business Seamlessly
The following are the tips for you to sell your business the smart way this year. And obviously it starts with planning.
Start Planning 12–24 Months in Advance
Selling a business is not like selling a car! However, you also cannot delay until you feel burnt out or the funds decrease. Therefore, start preparing early. Ideally, you need to start planning and making preparations one to two years before your retirement date. If you are yet to start prepping, it’s best to start now to sell off the business by 2026!
In this way, you will get enough time to organise financial records, streamline operations, and transition key client relationships. And the more your business becomes a turnkey, the more attractive it will be to the buyers.
Clean Up Your Financials
One of the biggest red flags for buyers? Messy books. If you’ve been running personal expenses through your business or operating on “creative accounting”, now’s the time to tighten it all up.
Hire a CPA to:
Normalise earnings (adjust for one-time expenses)
Separate business from personal transactions
Provide clean, audited statements for 2–3 years
A clear financial picture not only boosts your asking price; it builds buyer trust.
Get a Business Valuation
Wondering what your business is actually worth? Don’t guess. A professional valuation will assess your assets, cash flow, goodwill, and market conditions to provide a realistic price range.
This valuation becomes your baseline when marketing or negotiating with potential buyers. In 2025, with fluctuating interest rates and cautious lenders, setting the right price is crucial.
Decide on the Right Exit Strategy
If you have thought, “I want to sell my business!”, there are some questions you need to consider. Do you want a full buyout and walk away? Or would you prefer to stay on for a year as a consultant? There’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Common options include:
Full sale: Transfer of 100% ownership
Partial sale: Sell majority but retain minority interest
Earn-out: Buyer pays a portion up front, the remainder over time based on performance
Your ideal strategy should reflect your financial goals, energy levels, and how involved you want to be post-sale.
Work with a Business Broker
A qualified business broker does more than list your company; they screen buyers, maintain confidentiality, negotiate terms, and manage the paperwork. Especially if you're wondering how one even sells a business, a broker can be your guide through the maze.
In Alberta’s 2025 marketplace, buyer interest is high in sectors like trades, healthcare, and retail franchises. So here, brokers also give you exposure to the right buyer pool.
Prepare for Due Diligence
Once a serious buyer comes along, expect a microscope on every detail of your business. Be ready with:
Lease agreements
Employee contracts
Vendor and customer lists
Legal documentation
Transparency now avoids deal-breakers later. It’s always better to provide everything needed to make sure the sale happens with trust. The smoother the due diligence process, the faster you’ll close. And it will be less likely for the buyer to ask for a discount.
Don’t Forget the Emotional Side
It is not about the sale itself. Because when you hand over your company to someone, you’re stepping away from years of effort, relationships, routine, and identity. It’s a major transition for you and your business. Many owners forget to consider the emotional impact of letting go.
To keep the emotional impacts low, plan something right after the transfer. Like travelling, family time, developing hobbies, or even getting jobs like mentoring new entrepreneurs. It will make the process of selling a business easier for you to handle your emotions.
Final Word
If you are planning to retire, the best time to begin is now. Because most aspiring entrepreneurs and other business owners are always searching for companies for sale in Edmonton. No one would want to miss out on an opportunity. If you are set on retiring, make sure you have a safe sales process with the help of reputed business brokers like Performance Business Advisory.
This isn’t just a sale. It’s your grand finale. Make it a smart one.
Contact us to discuss the selling or buying of a business.