Business Loans to Buy a Business

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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.

Ready to Buy a Business?

If you're planning to buy a business and want fast, flexible finance, speak to the Century Business Finance team. We'll comapre lenders from our panel and help you secure the most suitable funding option for your purchase. Contact us today to get started. 

Your Fast Track To Funding

10,000
+

Businesses helped

892,000,000
£

Million funds sourced

24
 hours

Average turnaround from start to finish

10000
+
Businesses helped
892000000
£
Million funds sourced
24
hours
Average turnaround from start to finish
10000
+
businesses helped
892000000
£
million funds sourced
24
hours
average turnaround time from start to finish

Check If I Qualify

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What our clients say

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“Jacob and Century have been brilliant for a number of years. Jacob has always listened to the company needs and ensured we were only matched with products that suited. I really highly recommend both the company, and, Jacob!”
Jonathon Ison
“The customer care was top-notch. I dealt with Jake Brown who was always on top of our needs. The service was very precise and all the formalities were sorted within a few days. Thumbs up all the way. Would definitely recommend Century Business Finance.”
Wale Towolawi
“No government initiative or loan has helped our business as much as Jake Brown. The service has been first class. Recovery from covid has been slow and challenging but it would have been impossible without Jake himself. He has literally saved the business! Communication has been crystal clear with finance approved and arranged on the same day. An outstanding service from a company I intend to use again and again. Thank you”
Owl Education Ltd
“Tom Hall has been fantastic. Within a week of exploring our options, the money was in the bank and the business kicked off. Highly recommend..”
Mark Gill
“Tom Hall has been very helpful and dealt with my queries and informed me of everything i need to do . Tom has managed to secured me the loan from century finance and i would definitely recommend them to every businesses.”
Davis Sanassy
“Joe Taplin has been so helpful from start to finish. Got regular updates about the application and did all he can to get funds available within days. Handled every task very professionally.”
Upul Ekanayake
“Tom has been very helpful in supporting our business needs. Only area for improvement is the level of detail in their quotations to enable a better market comparison.”
Alan Gates
“Joe was so helpful from start to finish of our communication. Kept me updated every step of the way & kept it very easy. Definitely recommend.”
Nat
“First rate service by my account manager Jake Brown, first time using Century Finance and I would use Jake again and recommend him to anyone looking for finance.”
John Bailey
“Exceptionally professional and quick service I would highly recommend to all my business colleagues. Many thanks especially to John Harrison who has been such a fantastic help throughout.”
Mike Finnigan
“I had the pleasure of dealing with Kane Murfitt and honestly cannot fault him. He stayed in regular contact throughout the process, guided me through the application and kept me fully updated. Very Happy!”
Marlon Carrington
“Great support from start to completion under the guidance of Jacob Bryant.Totally recommend for any business finance..”
Justin Jones
“I was very impressed at the speed, detail and affordability of business loans found by Century Business Finace. Jake was incredibly knowledgeable giving varied scenarios of how to ustilise their services - I've already made recommendations to my colleauges - thank you!”
Finance Department
“A fantastic service from the team at Century Business Finance from start to finish. It's my first time dealing with them and the service from both Max and Ben as been absolutely first class. I highly recommend Century Business Finance and will be using them again in the future when the need arises.”
Ryan White
“Excellent all round, I no longer waste my time trying others - Top work from my acc manager Joe Taplin”
Dan Currey
“A 5 star service. Very impressed with the account manager and will 100% recommend his services”
Vincent Torku
“As a small business at times its hard to get small amount for cashflow but dealing with Jacob Bourne has made the small business grow. What a professional Jacob is and it was so efficient that i will not hesitate to recommend CBF to any small to medium business.”
Alliance Speciality Care
“The customer service from John was great, very friendly and efficient. Would definitely recommend”
Katie
“We used Century to assist in funding our expansion, and could not be happier with how they helped. Jacob was prompt, professional and efficient.”
Martyn Solari
“A 5 star service. Very impressed with the account manager and will 100% recommend his services”
Vincent Torku

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