The Scalable Founder

The Scalable Founder

Home
Notes
📌 Sell Me Your Business
Archive
Leaderboard
About

📌 Sell Me Your Business

I’m acquiring 3-5 businesses this year and looking for owners who want a smooth, strategic exit.

Most businesses never sell—not because they aren’t successful, but because buyers have options. If your Exitability Score is too low, buyers will move on.

If we’re a fit, I can structure an acquisition in weeks—not months.

💡 Even if I don’t buy your business, I have a network of 2,000+ buyers actively looking for acquisitions. If I don’t buy it, I can connect you with the right buyer.

My Business Acquisition Criteria

I focus on acquiring established, profitable businesses that meet these criteria:

✅ Revenue: £2M+ (The higher, the better)
✅ EBITDA: At least 20% (£500k+ in profits)
✅ Years in Business: At least 10 Years
✅ Industries of Interest:

What I Look For in a Business

  • The business must be able to run without you. If you’re still essential, we’ll need to promote someone internally or adjust operations.

  • The brand and reputation matter. I don’t flip businesses—I invest in their long-term future.

  • You’re open-minded. Traditional financing is tough, but I structure deals that make sense for everyone involved.

  • Predictable, Recurring, or Stable Revenue. Businesses with repeat customers, contracts, subscriptions, or reliable income streams are ideal.

  • A Strong Team in Place. I prefer businesses with key employees who want to stay—this ensures continuity and makes transitions smoother.

  • Healthy Gross Margins. The higher the margins, the more flexibility there is for growth, reinvestment, and value creation.

  • Profitable but with Room for Growth. I buy businesses that are already generating profits but have untapped potential through better systems, marketing, or expansion.

  • Minimal Owner Dependence. If the founder is the “face of the business,” we need a clear plan for reducing reliance on them over time.

  • Not Highly Regulated or Litigious. I avoid businesses in industries that are too dependent on government approvals, regulations, or constant legal risks.

  • No Major Unresolved Liabilities. If your business has massive debts, lawsuits, or ongoing financial issues, I’m probably not the right buyer.

  • Growth Leverage. If there are obvious ways to scale through better marketing, automation, or strategic partnerships, it’s a better fit.

  • Businesses That Sell to Other Businesses (B2B). While not a strict requirement, I prefer businesses with high-value clients, corporate contracts, or a strong B2B sales model.

  • High Customer Lifetime Value (LTV). Businesses where customers stick around for the long term—whether through subscriptions, repeat purchases, or strong retention—are more attractive.

  • Low Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). If your business generates leads and customers efficiently without excessive ad spend, it’s a strong advantage.

  • Businesses With Established Processes. If your business already has SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), documented workflows, or automation in place, it makes the transition much smoother.

  • Businesses That Have a Competitive Moat. If your business has a unique selling proposition (USP), intellectual property (IP), proprietary systems, or a strong brand moat, it becomes much more valuable.

What Makes a Business Stand Out to Me?

If your business meets most of the above criteria AND:

  • ✅ Has a strong second-in-command or leadership team in place

  • ✅ Is profitable but hasn’t yet reached its full scale potential

  • ✅ Has a high retention rate and a loyal customer base

  • ✅ Has untapped opportunities for revenue expansion or cost optimization


Then I’m far more likely to acquire it—and quickly.

Why Sell to Me?

Most buyers either gut businesses for parts or waste months in negotiations—only to walk away. That’s not how I operate.

Here’s what makes me different:

  • ✅ I invest in your business’s long-term future. I don’t strip assets or fire your team. I focus on growth, stability, and continuity.

  • ✅ Fast, straightforward process. No endless back-and-forth. If we’re a fit, I can structure a deal in weeks, not months.

  • ✅ Flexible exit structures. Not every seller needs an all-cash offer. I structure deals based on what makes sense for your goals.

  • ✅ I protect your brand and reputation. If your business has a strong name, I’ll work to preserve and enhance it—not erase it.

  • ✅ No broker games. Brokers overpromise, overprice, and keep you waiting. I don’t inflate valuations to win your trust—then disappear.

If you want to sell quickly and strategically—while ensuring your business continues to thrive—you’re in the right place.

What Happens After You Sell?

Many founders hesitate to sell because they don’t know what comes next. The truth? Selling your business opens doors you never thought possible.

  • Take a Year Off. Travel, spend time with family, or pursue passion projects without worrying about business stress.

  • Start Another Business. Many sellers use their payout to build something new—often with less stress and more resources.

  • Invest & Grow Wealth. A well-structured exit can fund long-term wealth-building strategies or open up passive investment opportunities.

  • Stay Involved (Without the Stress). Some sellers stay on as advisors or minority investors—so they still get upside without the day-to-day headaches.

Whatever your vision post-sale, selling your business should be a stepping stone, not a loss. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, let’s talk.

Not Ready to Sell Yet? Let’s Make Your Business Exit-Ready

If your business isn’t ready for an exit but you want to maximize your valuation, I offer an equity partnership where I help you:

  • Systematize & scale your business for a future high-value exit.

  • Improve your Exitability Score so buyers compete to acquire your business.

  • Exit at a much higher multiple than it’s worth today.

At the point of sale, I may choose to acquire your business—or help you sell it for the best possible price.

If I Don’t Buy, I Can Introduce You to My Network of Buyers

I have an extensive network of investors and buyers actively looking for businesses to acquire. While I can’t guarantee a sale, I can connect you with serious buyers—at no extra cost.

Who This Is For

  • ✅ Founders considering an exit in the next 2-5 years

  • ✅ Business owners making ÂŁ2M+ in revenue with ÂŁ200k+ in profits

  • ✅ Those willing to improve their business structure for a higher valuation

Who This Is NOT For

  • đŸš« Businesses that are entirely dependent on the founder

  • đŸš« Companies that are financially distressed

  • đŸš« Founders looking for a quick, desperate sale instead of maximizing value

I’m NOT the Right Buyer If


I don’t buy every business that comes my way. If we’re not a fit, I’ll tell you upfront.

  • đŸš« If your business is 100% dependent on you, I can’t buy it. It needs to run without you—or be structured to transition smoothly.

  • đŸš« If you expect an unrealistic valuation, I won’t make empty promises. Many brokers will inflate your expectations just to get you to sign. I won’t.

  • đŸš« If you’re looking for a quick, desperate sale, I’m not the right buyer. I focus on structured, strategic acquisitions—not fire sales.

  • đŸš« If your business is drowning in unresolved legal or financial issues, I can’t take it on. If you’re facing lawsuits, major tax problems, or deep financial distress, I’m not your guy.

  • đŸš« If you want a broker-style bidding war, I don’t play that game. I make fair offers based on real-world valuation principles.

If you’re serious about selling your business the right way—with a smooth process, strategic structuring, and a buyer who actually cares about its future—let’s talk.

Let’s Talk

If you’re considering selling your business—or want to prepare for a high-value exit, reach out today.

đŸ“© Get in Touch – Let’s explore whether we’re a good fit.

Get in Touch with Ed Now

Seller FAQs

How long does it take to sell my business to you?

If we’re a fit, I can structure a deal in as little as six weeks. Most businesses sit on the market for months (or years) because they aren’t positioned to sell.

Do you only buy UK businesses?

My priority is London, England, and the UK—but I consider deals across Europe, the US, and Canada.

What if my business isn’t fully systemized yet?

It depends. If your business is still too dependent on you, we may need a transition plan where I promote someone internally or adjust operations before I can buy.

Can I still be involved in the business post-sale?

If it makes sense, yes. Some sellers stay on as advisors or minority shareholders, while others prefer a clean break. I’m open to structuring the deal in a way that works for both of us.

How do you finance acquisitions?

Every deal is structured based on the business, seller’s needs, and available financing options. If you’re open-minded, I can present multiple exit strategies.

What industries do you buy in?

I focus on:

  • ✔ Marketing & Sales Agencies (SEO, Paid Ads, Influencer Outreach, etc.)

  • ✔ Education & Training Businesses (Online Courses, Group Coaching, Corporate Training, etc.)

  • ✔ SaaS & Recurring Revenue Businesses (SaaS, Memberships, Gyms, etc.)

  • ✔ Publishing Businesses (Newsletters, Digital Publishing, Online Courses, etc.)

If your business falls outside these but meets my profitability and scalability criteria, I’m still open to a conversation.

Let’s Talk

If you’re considering selling your business—or want to prepare for a high-value exit, reach out today.

đŸ“© Get in Touch – Let’s explore whether we’re a good fit.

Get in Touch with Ed Now!

This post first published on ed.ink/bio.

© 2025 Ed Evan Rich
Substack
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture