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Fast, Flexible Finance to Buy an Existing Business
Buying an existing business is one of the fastest ways to grow, expand into new markets, or take control of an already successful operation. Whether you’re acquiring a small business, buying out a partner, taking over a family company or purchasing a franchise, securing the right finance is essential to completing the deal and keeping cashflow stable.
A business purchase loan provides quick access to the capital needed to acquire an existing business without tying up your savings or disrupting day-to-day operations. With simple applications, fast decisions and flexible repayment options, acquisition finance allows you to take the next step with confidence.
What Is a Business Purchase Loan?
A business purchase loan is a type of finance used to acquire an existing business, buy shares in a company, or complete a partner buyout. Instead of funding the deal upfront, you can borrow the amount needed and repay it over a fixed term, allowing you to take ownership while maintaining cashflow.
These loans are particularly suitable for smaller acquisitions where the target business has stable trading history and predictable revenue. Loan amounts typically range from £10,000 to £500,000 depending on financial performance, affordability and the value of the business being purchased.
How Do Business Purchase Loans work?
1. Apply in Minutes
During your application, lenders usually request:
- Basic business and personal information
- Six months of business bank statements
- Your most recent year-end accounts
A clear picture of both you and the business helps lenders move quickly.
2. Lender Assessment
Lenders review several key factors, including:
- Your experience and sector knowledge
- The financial health and cashflow of the business being acquired
- Repayment affordability based on projected income
- Purchase price, deal structure and any deposit
- Whether the seller is providing vendor finance or staying involved
This assessment ensures the acquisition is viable and repayments fit comfortably alongside ongoing trading.
3. Repayments
Once approved, funds are released and you can complete the purchase. Repayments normally include:
- A fixed monthly repayment schedule
- Loan terms ranging from 1 to 5 years
- Unsecured or lightly secured options
- Interest rates aligned with affordability and risk
This structure allows you to take over the business while maintaining predictable costs.
When should you use a Business Loan to buy a business?
Business purchase loans are ideal when you want to acquire a business with proven performance and reliable cashflow. Common situations include:
- Buying a profitable business with strong trading history
- Taking over a family business
- Acquiring a competitor to expand market share
- Buying out a partner or completing a management buyout (MBO)
- Purchasing a franchise
- Growing through acquisition rather than starting from scratch
These loans work best when the business has consistent income that can support repayment.
Who is eligible for Business Purchase Loans?
Business purchase loans may be suitable if:
- You have relevant experience or operational knowledge
- You have a good personal credit profile
- The business has at least two years of stable accounts
- You have a clear purchase structure and agreed price
- The business generates strong, predictable cashflow
- You can evidence how loan repayments will be met
A deposit or seller-finance support can improve approval chances but is not always required.
Why Choose Us for Your Business Purchase Loan
At Century Business Finance, we help streamline the acquisition process by giving you access to a wide panel of lenders who specialise in business purchase loans. We make the process fast and straightforward, with minimal paperwork and quick decisions so you can complete your purchase without delays.
You can apply online in just a couple of minutes, supported by a dedicated Account Manager if needed. Once approved, funds can often be released within 24 hours, helping you move quickly and secure the business you want.
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