Who to get professional advice from
Change Hands helps buyers and sellers find each other and share information safely. It does not give legal, tax or financial advice, and it does not check the figures in listings. Before you buy or sell a business, get advice from qualified professionals who can look at your situation.
Accountant
Bring in early, before you make or accept an offer.
- Buyers: checks the financials and tax returns, the true profit and the owner's role, and how to structure the purchase.
- Sellers: prepares clean figures, and advises on capital gains tax, the small business CGT concessions and GST.
- Look for a CPA or Chartered Accountant with small business sale experience.
Lawyer (solicitor)
Bring in before you sign anything other than the Change Hands NDA.
- Prepares or reviews the contract of sale, including conditions, restraint of trade and handover.
- Reviews the lease and its assignment, key contracts, licences and employee obligations.
- Choose a solicitor who does commercial or business sale work.
Valuer
- Gives an independent opinion of what the business is worth, useful when the price is large, the business has significant assets, or buyer and seller can't agree.
Bank or finance broker
- Buyers: get pre-approval early so you know your budget. Lenders will usually want the business's figures too.
Financial adviser
- Helps you see how buying or selling fits your wider finances, super and retirement plans. Check they hold an Australian Financial Services licence or are an authorised representative.
Industry specialists
- Depending on the business: a mechanic to inspect vehicles, a building inspector for premises, or an industry body for licensing rules.
Useful resources
- Queensland Law Society: Find a solicitor: each state's law society has a similar referral service
- CPA Australia: Find a CPA: find a qualified accountant
- CA ANZ: Find a Chartered Accountant: find a chartered accountant
- business.gov.au: Buy an existing business: government checklist for buyers
- business.gov.au: Sell your business: government checklist for sellers
This guide is general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or accounting advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Get advice from qualified professionals before you buy or sell a business. Change Hands is a listing and matching platform, not a business broker.