How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business? Timeline, Factors & Expert Tips

Selling a business is a major milestone — and it’s not something that happens overnight. Whether you’re planning your exit strategy or responding to an acquisition offer, one of the most common questions is: How long does it take to sell a business?

In this article, we’ll break down the average timeline to sell a business, the key phases involved, and the factors that speed up or slow down the sale. We’ll also provide practical tips to help business owners prepare for a smooth, profitable exit.

So, How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?

On average, it takes 6 to 12 months to sell a small to mid-sized business. However, the process can vary widely depending on several factors such as business size, industry, financials, and buyer interest.

Business Size	Average Time to Sell
Small Business (Under $1M Revenue)	6 – 9 months
Mid-Sized Business ($1M – $5M Revenue)	9 – 12 months
Large Business ($5M+ Revenue)	12 – 24 months or more

Some businesses sell in as little as 3 months, while others take over a year due to market conditions or complex negotiations.

Key Stages in the Business Sale Timeline

Preparation and Valuation (1–2 months)
Organize financials, perform business valuation, and create a pitch package.
Listing and Marketing (1–3 months)
Find a business broker or advisor, market confidentially to qualified buyers.
Buyer Inquiries and Screening (1–2 months)
Engage with interested parties, share information, and qualify potential buyers.
Negotiation and Letter of Intent (LOI) (1 month)
Agree on preliminary terms and sign a non-binding LOI.
Due Diligence (1–3 months)
Buyer reviews financials, legal, tax, operations, and confirms representations.
Final Sale Agreement & Closing (1 month)
Execute legal contracts, transfer assets, and complete payment.

What Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Sell?

Factor	Impact on Timeline
Industry type	Niche markets may take longer
Business size and complexity	Larger operations = longer due diligence
Financial performance	Strong, clean books speed up the process
Market conditions	Economic slowdowns can delay buyer activity
Owner involvement	Businesses that can run independently sell faster
Asking price	Overpricing delays offers or turns away buyers

Tips to Sell Your Business Faster

Get a professional valuation – Know your business’s worth before listing.
Clean up your books – Audited or well-organized financials attract serious buyers.
Work with a business broker – They have access to qualified buyers and can handle negotiations.
Have systems in place – Buyers look for businesses that can operate smoothly without the owner.
Be flexible – Negotiation speed depends on how open you are to terms and deal structures.

Should You Use a Business Broker?

A business broker can significantly reduce the time it takes to sell by:

Marketing your business confidentially
Screening serious buyers
Handling negotiations
Guiding you through due diligence and closing

They typically charge a commission of 8%–12% of the sale price, but it’s often worth it for maximizing value and minimizing delays.

Conclusion

How long does it take to sell a business? The answer varies — but with the right preparation, expert support, and clear financials, most business owners can expect to complete a sale within 6 to 12 months.

Planning ahead and understanding the phases of the sale process ensures you stay in control and increase your chances of selling quickly — and for the right price.