You are considering selling your business

  • Hajar Scholten
  • The choice
  • 5 January 2026
  • 2 min
  • Selling and takeovers, Ending and deregistration

Are you thinking about selling or transferring your business? That is not an easy decision. It is normal to have doubts. What is the right moment, can you find a buyer, what are the consequences for the business? And when are you really ready? We help you make the right choice.

Do these statements reflect your situation?

  • You are thinking more and more about your life after a possible sale.
  • You are wondering whether your business can continue without you.
  • You wonder when is the right time to sell your business.
  • You see your retirement approaching and wonder how to arrange that transition.

> Back to Continue or end your business

What are your options?

Read what you can do.

1. Continue as you are now


You continue to run your business and keep the idea of selling in mind. You wait and see if opportunities arise, if an interested buyer comes along, or if you still feel like selling. Schedule an evaluation moment with yourself.


2. Increase the chances of a sale


You change your business model, reduce costs, add new products or services, or seek partnerships to make your business ready for sale. This increases the chances of a sale in the future.

> Get ready to sell your business

3. Take a temporary step back 


Reduce your working hours, transfer tasks to employees, or hire an interim manager. This will give you space to think without having to stop immediately.

4. Sell part of the business


Sell part of your business or bring a partner on board. This allows you to remain involved, but share the responsibility.

5. Gradual transfer

You look for a successor and transfer the business in phases. You continue to work for a period of time to transfer knowledge and build trust.

> Finding a buyer for your business

6. Sell your entire business

You prepare your business for sale and transfer it to a new owner. Bear in mind that this requires months or even years of preparation.
> Hoe regel je de verkoop van je bedrijf?


7. Ending without selling


You close your business, settle any outstanding obligations and terminate the company. You choose this option if selling is not an option or does not suit you.
> Checklist for closing your business

Check your company's value

If you are considering a possible sale, you are probably curious about what your business could fetch. Have your business valued by a valuation expert.

How do you make a choice? 

Consider step by step what is best for you: continue, make changes, or sell.

  • Assess the consequences of a sale for your business, your staff, and yourself.
  • Explore other options: reorganisation, collaboration, partial sale.
  • Think about your life after the sale: what will you do, how will you maintain your network?
  • Consider whether this is the right time to sell. Set a realistic deadline for your decision and stick to it.

Want to talk about your personal situation?

Every situation is different. That is why our business advisers are happy to think along with you.

  • Our advice is always free.
  • You can reach us on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.
  • Our advisers know how a business works and provide personalised advice.

Call the KVK Advice team

 

Pros and cons

We have listed a number of pros and cons for you: 

ContinueStop 
  • You remain in control.
  • You continue to work on something you are proud of.
  • You can prepare your business for a better sale later on.
  • You receive money for what you have built up.
  • You have more time for family, hobbies or new plans.
  • Your business can continue to grow in good hands, preserving your legacy.
  • You continue to bear all the risks.
  • You have less time for your private life or retirement.
  • You remain dependent on the market.
  • You must let go of your feelings and trust the buyer.
  • Your decision may have consequences for your staff.
  • The sales process takes time and you may not get as much money as you had hoped for.

 

 

FAQ on stopping

It is not possible to put your business on hold. Sometimes you may have to stop your business temporarily. For example, for a study, a (temporary) job, or to travel. Read what you need to arrange depending on your situation. 

No, deregistering from KVK is free of charge.

Read about everything you need to arrange in the Ending your business checklist.

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