Selling a business isn’t like selling a car or a house. There are a lot more variables involved: valuations, contracts, documentation, and of course, emotions. Because behind every business, there are years of hard work, effort, and decisions. So naturally, when it comes time to sell, the big question is unavoidable: how long does it actually take to sell a business?

Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can definitely give you a realistic overview of the process, its stages, and above all, what you can do to speed things up without losing value. Let’s break it down.

Factors That Influence How Long It Takes to Sell a Business

Not all businesses take the same amount of time to sell. Some close within months, others drag on for over a year. What does it depend on?

Size and Revenue of the Business

Size matters. And we’re not just talking about how many employees or how much revenue, but also the complexity of the structure. SMEs with clean books and simple operations usually sell faster than large companies with multiple divisions and tangled management.

Also, if the business has recurring revenue, healthy profit margins, and manageable debt, buyer interest tends to rise. And with it, the speed of the sale.

Industry and Market Competition

Selling a booming tech company is not the same as selling a traditional business in a shrinking sector. Some markets are simply more dynamic. For example:

• Digital and scalable businesses tend to attract more buyers.

• Local or industrial companies, depending on the area, might take longer.

Competition also plays a role. If there are lots of similar companies for sale, it’s harder to stand out, and that slows things down.

Preparation and Available Documentation

This is one of the biggest keys. Often, it’s not the buyer causing delays, but the seller. Do you have all your documents in order? Are your financials audited or at least well-organized? Are your contracts with suppliers, clients, and employees signed and up to date?

A well-prepared business sells faster. Period.

Stages of the Business Sale Process

Let’s get straight to the point. What are the steps in selling a business, and how long does each take?

Business Valuation and Financial Analysis

First, you need to know how much your business is worth. And we’re not talking about an emotional number, but a real one. It requires financial analysis, industry comparisons, forecasts...

This step can take a few weeks if your info is ready. If not... well, it can drag on.

Finding Potential Buyers

Here’s where many people get stuck. Finding the right buyer isn’t always quick. You need to know where to look, how to filter, and how to protect your information. A specialized advisor, like the ones at Business in Spain, can make a world of difference.

This phase can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months, depending on the appeal of the business and the market.

Negotiation and Signing of the Agreement

When serious interest appears, the negotiation dance begins. Price, conditions, warranties, payment terms...

This step usually takes 4 to 12 weeks, if everything goes smoothly.

Due Diligence and Closing the Deal

The buyer will want to thoroughly review everything before signing: finances, contracts, legal risks, employee situations... That’s due diligence.

There’s no shortcut here. On average, this takes between 30 and 90 days. If issues pop up, it can take longer.

What’s the Average Time to Sell a Business in Spain?

Based on everything above, here’s a rough idea:

• The average in Spain is between 6 and 12 months to complete the full sale process.

• But some sales close in 3 months… and others never close at all.

Differences Between SMEs, Startups, and Large Corporations

• Tech startups with clear metrics and scalability can sell in 3 to 6 months if there’s buyer interest.

• Traditional SMEs usually take 6 to 12 months.

• Large corporations or business groups might need 12 to 24 months depending on their complexity.

When the Sale Speeds Up or Slows Down

It tends to go faster when:

• The seller is fully prepared and has good advisors.

• Buyers are already lined up.

• A reasonable price is set from the start.

It slows down when:

• The financials are messy or unclear.

• There are unresolved legal issues.

• The seller refuses to compromise on certain conditions.

Tips to Speed Up the Sale of a Business

If you're looking to sell within a reasonable timeframe, here are a few key tips:

Work with Specialized Advisors

Don’t go it alone. A good advisor saves you months of work, avoids legal headaches, and may even secure a better price.

At Business in Spain, we’ve helped countless owners sell their business safely, quickly, and profitably. If you’re thinking about it, drop us a message. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Improve How You Present Your Business to Investors

Having a strong, clear presentation, with understandable numbers and a coherent story makes a big difference. It’s not about selling smoke. It’s about showing your real value.

Have All Your Documents Ready from the Start

Make a checklist and get everything together now: balance sheets, annual accounts, contracts, payroll, corporate docs… The sooner, the better.

Common Mistakes That Drag Out the Sale

A lot of these come up again and again:

• Asking for a price way above market value.

• Hiding problems (which then pop up during due diligence).

• Failing to protect confidential information.

• Changing your mind halfway through the process.

Remember: selling a business isn’t a game. It’s a serious process, with a lot at stake. But it can also be incredibly rewarding if you do it right.

Conclusion: How to Optimize Time and Successfully Sell Your Business

Selling a business might feel like a marathon. And in a way, it is. But if you prepare properly, choose the right partners, and act with transparency, it can be much shorter and smoother than you imagine.

Our final tip? Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. The sale begins well before you list your company. And if you need expert help, we’re here.