Exiting a business is one of the most significant decisions an owner can make. Whether the objective is a sale, succession, management buyout or private equity investment, a well-planned exit strategy can help maximise value while reducing disruption throughout the process.
The UK is home to a broad range of firms offering exit strategy services, from corporate finance advisers and chartered accountants to specialist business consultants. While their approaches vary, many combine financial, tax and strategic expertise to help business owners prepare for a successful transition.
This guide highlights a selection of firms providing exit strategy services across the UK. Rather than ranking providers, the aim is to offer practical context, explaining the types of organisations they support, the services they typically provide and the areas where their expertise may be most relevant. Understanding these differences can help business owners identify an adviser whose experience aligns with their goals, timeline and the complexity of their exit.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and advisors providing exit strategy services to business owners and organisations across the UK.
The firm works with owner-managed businesses, growing companies, corporate groups and shareholders considering future business transitions. Exit strategy services are designed to help organisations plan for ownership changes, maximise business value and manage the financial, tax and commercial aspects of an exit.
Acumon provides exit strategy services as part of its wider accounting, tax and advisory offering. The firm supports clients with financial planning, business valuations, tax planning, financial reporting and transaction readiness, helping business owners prepare for successful ownership transitions.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man. These licences enable the firm to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Planning an exit is an important stage in the lifecycle of many businesses. Professional advice can help business owners prepare for future opportunities, understand the financial and tax implications of different exit options and ensure that the business is well positioned for transition.
Acumon works with business owners, shareholders, directors and management teams to support exit planning while helping organisations strengthen financial reporting, governance arrangements and strategic decision-making.
Exit Strategy Capabilities
Acumon provides exit strategy services across a wide range of organisational structures and sectors.
These include:
- UK companies and corporate groups
- owner-managed businesses and growing companies
- UK subsidiaries of international groups
- regulated organisations
- organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions
- established businesses preparing for ownership transition
Exit strategy engagements are typically led by experienced professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
- UK statutory audit registration
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
- Jersey audit licence
- Isle of Man audit licence
- Cayman Islands audit licence
- British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to support organisations operating across both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services
In addition to exit strategy services, Acumon provides a range of accounting, tax and advisory services.
These include:
- business valuation and transaction readiness
- statutory external audit
- group and subsidiary audits
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
- charity and not-for-profit audit
- internal audit and governance reviews
- risk management and compliance support
Exit strategy work is often delivered alongside discussions with management regarding business performance, financial reporting, tax planning and long-term strategic objectives.
Many organisations seek exit strategy support as ownership objectives evolve, succession plans develop and businesses prepare for future transactions or leadership changes.
Acumon works with organisations that are:
- managing financial and tax obligations
- strengthening governance and internal processes
- supporting business growth
- improving financial reporting
- operating across multiple jurisdictions
- responding to changing regulatory requirements
Early engagement can help ensure that financial reporting, tax planning and business preparedness remain aligned with the organisation's long-term objectives and chosen exit strategy.
Contact Information
- Website: acumon.com
- Email: mail@acumon.com
- Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
- Phone: 020 8567 3451
Sigma Chartered Accountants
Sigma Charterяd Accountants focus on helping SME owners prepare for one of the biggest stages in the life of a business - its exit. Their approach looks beyond the transaction itself by considering business value, tax implications and the owner's long-term financial goals before any decision is made. Exit planning forms part of a wider accounting and tax advisory service, allowing financial and strategic considerations to be reviewed together.
Different exit routes are explored depending on the circumstances of the business, including management buyouts, family succession, mergers and third-party sales. The planning process also covers business readiness, tax structuring and post-exit wealth planning, helping owners understand the practical steps involved before a transition takes place.
Key Highlights
- Focus on exit planning for SME owners
- Business valuation and exit readiness reviews
- Tax planning linked to business exits
- Support for succession and ownership transitions
- Advice covering post-exit wealth planning
- Exit planning delivered within wider accounting and tax services
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business valuation
- Tax planning for business sales
- Management buyout planning
- Family succession planning
- Merger and acquisition exit planning
- Business sale preparation
- Post-exit wealth planning
Contact Information
- Website: sigmachartered.co.uk
- Email: Info@sigmachartered.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sigmatax1
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sigmatax
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sigmacharteredaccountants
- Address: 862 Washwood Heath Rd, Birmingham B8 2NG
- Phone: +44 121 783 5392
THP
THP approach business exists from both a financial and practical perspective, helping business owners plan for retirement, ownership changes or future investment opportunities. Their exit planning service is built around understanding the business before identifying suitable options, with valuation and financial preparation forming part of the process.
Every exit follows different circumstances, so the planning may involve preparing the business for a sale, supporting a management buyout or arranging a family transition. Alongside exit planning, they assist with the financial information and documentation that potential buyers or investors are likely to expect during negotiations.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning for different ownership scenarios
- Independent business evaluation
- Business valuation services
- Preparation for business sales and management buyouts
- Support with buyer documentation
- Corporate finance and tax services available alongside exit planning
Services
- Business exit planning
- Business valuation
- Exit strategy development
- Management buyout support
- Business sale preparation
- Buyer information portfolio preparation
- Corporate finance advice
- Tax planning for business exits
Contact Information
- Website: www.thp.co.uk
- Email: wanstead@thp.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thplimited
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thp-limited
- Address: 34-40 High St, London, E11 2RJ
- Phone: 0800 6520 025
WR Partners
WR Partners support business owners who are planning the next stage after ownership, whether that involves selling a company, passing it to family members or exploring a merger. Exit planning is closely linked with succession planning and tax advice, giving clients a clearer picture of how different decisions may affect both the business and personal finances.
Tax forms an important part of the process, particularly when preparing for a business sale. Their advisers look at available reliefs, ownership structures and future plans so that financial decisions can be considered before negotiations begin. This sits alongside broader business advisory and corporate finance services where required.
Key Highlights
- Exit and succession planning for business owners
- Tax planning for business sales
- Advice on ownership transitions
- Support with mergers and business sales
- Business strategy and corporate finance expertise
- Exit planning integrated with wider tax advisory services
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Succession planning
- Tax planning for business sales
- Business sale advisory
- Merger planning
- Ownership structuring
- Corporate finance support
- Strategic business planning
Contact Information
- Website: wrpartners.co.uk
- Email: hello@wrpartners.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wraccountants
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wr-partners-uk
- Address: Unit 10, St Giles Business Park, Newtown, SY16 3AJ
- Phone: 08083 030 337
Gravitate
Gravitate centre their exit planning service on preparing business owners well before a transaction takes place. The focus is on making the business ready for sale or succession while addressing tax matters that could affect the final outcome. Their approach covers different exit routes, including trade sales, management buyouts and family succession, with planning tailored to the circumstances of each business.
Tax planning runs alongside the wider exit process, covering ownership structures, capital gains considerations and transaction readiness. Corporate finance support is available within the same service, allowing business owners to look at valuation, deal structure and negotiations while keeping financial and tax planning aligned.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning for business sales and succession
- Tax-focused approach to business exits
- Corporate finance support during exit planning
- Advice on ownership and share structuring
- Exit readiness assessments
- Planning for different business exit routes
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Exit readiness reviews
- Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) planning
- Share and ownership structuring
- Capital Gains Tax planning
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) planning
- Management buyout planning
- Succession planning
Contact Information
- Website: www.gravitate.digital
- Email: hello@gravitate.digital
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Gravitate.Accounting
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gravitate-accounting
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gravitate.digital
- Address: Unit 13E, 92 Burton Road, Neepsend, Sheffield, S3 8BX, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 114 321 7459
Perrys Accountants
Perrys Accountants include exit strategy planning as part of their wider accounting and tax advisory services for businesses. Their support is aimed at owners preparing for a future transition, with attention given to financial planning and tax considerations before an exit takes place. The service is available alongside broader business and legal advisory work, allowing different aspects of the process to be considered together.
Business exits often involve more than completing a sale, particularly when succession, ownership changes or tax planning are involved. Their advisers help business owners review available options and prepare for the next stage with a structured approach that fits their long-term plans.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning for business owners
- Tax and accounting support linked to business exits
- Advice on succession and ownership changes
- Corporate and personal tax expertise
- Business advisory services available alongside exit planning
- Legal services supporting business transitions
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business succession planning
- Tax planning for business exits
- Business advisory
- Capital gains tax planning
- Wealth planning
- Legal support for ownership changes
- Business planning
Contact Information
- Website: perrysaccountants.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/perryscharteredaccountants
- Twitter: x.com/PerrysAccs
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/perrys
- Address: 4th Floor, 399-401 Strand, London, WC2R 0LT
- Phone: 020 7408 4442
Accounts and Legal
Accounts and Legal encourage business owners to think about an exit long before a sale is expected. Exit planning is treated as an ongoing process that combines business strategy with tax planning, helping owners understand how decisions made today may influence future outcomes. Early preparation is a consistent part of their approach, particularly where tax efficiency and succession are concerned.
Each plan takes into account the owner's circumstances, the structure of the business and the intended exit route. Alongside tax advice, they consider business value, compliance and succession planning so that owners have a clearer view of the steps involved before moving towards a sale or transfer.
Key Highlights
- Long-term approach to exit planning
- Tax planning for business sales
- Succession planning support
- Business strategy linked to future exits
- Advice on Business Asset Disposal Relief
- Exit planning integrated with accounting and legal services
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Succession planning
- Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) planning
- Tax planning for business exits
- Business valuation guidance
- Business strategy advice
- Compliance support during exit
- Ownership transition planning
Contact Information
- Website: accountsandlegal.co.uk
- Address: The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark Street, South Bank, London, SE1 1TY
- Phone: 020 7043 4000
O'Connor Associates
O'Connor Associates look at exit planning as part of wider financial leadership for growing businesses. They encourage business owners to think about an eventual exit from an early stage, using long-term financial planning to shape decisions as the business develops. The aim is to build a stronger business over time while keeping future ownership changes in mind.
Exit strategy planning is delivered alongside Fractional CFO services, giving business owners ongoing financial support before an exit becomes a realistic option. This allows value creation, financial controls and business performance to develop together, making future transitions easier to manage when the time comes.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning linked with Fractional CFO support
- Long-term financial planning for business owners
- Focus on business value and exit readiness
- Financial strategy aligned with future ownership changes
- Support for growing businesses
- Exit planning integrated with wider finance leadership
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Fractional CFO services
- Financial strategy
- Business value planning
- Cash flow planning
- Financial control environment support
- Transitional financial leadership
- Fundraising support
Contact Information
- Website: oconnorassociates.co.uk
- Email: info@oconnorassociates.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/oconnorassociatesaccounting
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/oconnorassociates
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/oconnorassociatesaccountants
- Address: Maple Works, 73 Maple Road, Surbiton, KT6 4AG
- Phone: 020 8064 1545
Menzies LLP
Menzies LLP views exit planning as part of the wider process of preparing a business for a change in ownership or leadership. Their approach connects business exits with succession planning, helping owners think about what happens after they step away and how the business can continue to operate with minimal disruption. The focus extends beyond the transaction itself to the long-term stability of the organisation.
An exit may involve a disposal, a management buyout or another ownership structure, depending on the circumstances of the business. Alongside strategic planning, they bring together deal advisory, business valuations and corporate finance services so financial, commercial and succession considerations can be reviewed as part of the same process.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning linked with succession planning
- Support for ownership and leadership transitions
- Deal advisory for business exits
- Business valuation services
- Management buyout advisory
- Corporate finance expertise within the exit process
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Succession planning
- Business disposals
- Management buyout advisory
- Business valuation
- Deal advisory
- Business finance support
- Strategic business advisory
Contact Information
- Website: www.menzies.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/menzies-llp
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/menzies_llp
- Address: The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham B4 6AT
- Phone: +44 (0)333 091 0411
Saffery
Saffery approaches business exits from the perspective that every owner's goals are different. Their planning considers personal objectives alongside the future of the business, recognising that retirement, succession, investment or a complete sale each bring different financial and practical questions. The exit route is shaped around those individual circumstances rather than following a fixed model.
Preparing for a transaction includes reviewing the business from a buyer's point of view. Financial reporting, internal controls, tax matters, business structure and succession arrangements all form part of the planning process. Employee ownership trusts, third-party sales and investment options are among the routes considered where they fit the owner's plans.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning based on individual business goals
- Succession and ownership transition advice
- Pre-sale business reviews
- Tax planning before business sales
- Employee Ownership Trust planning
- Support with transaction preparation
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business succession planning
- Pre-sale business reviews
- Tax planning for business exits
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) planning
- Business restructuring
- Exit readiness support
- Transaction advisory
Contact Information
- Website: www.saffery.com
- Email: info@saffery.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
- Address: Midland House, 2 Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5QY, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)1202 204744
S&W
S&W places considerable emphasis on planning several years before a business is expected to change hands. Exit planning begins with understanding what the owner wants to achieve, followed by reviewing the available options and the tax implications attached to each route. Future financial needs and long-term personal plans are treated as part of the conversation alongside the business itself.
Attention is given to making the business ready for potential buyers by reviewing its structure, financial performance and internal processes. Their teams combine corporate finance, tax and consulting services to help owners prepare for a sale, improve business readiness and address issues that could affect negotiations or valuation.
Key Highlights
- Long-term exit planning for business owners
- Business readiness assessments
- Tax and restructuring advice
- Corporate finance support
- Vendor due diligence services
- Business valuation expertise
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business valuation
- Vendor due diligence
- Business restructuring
- Tax reviews before sale
- Corporate finance advisory
- Sale preparation
- Exit readiness planning
Contact Information
- Website: www.swgroup.com
- Twitter: x.com/S_W_Group
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/swgroupuk
- Address: 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG
- Phone: +44(0)204 617 55 00
Hawsons
Hawsons treat exit planning as a structured process that starts well before a business changes hands. Their advisers look at both the owner's personal objectives and the commercial position of the business, helping identify what needs attention before an exit becomes realistic. Financial planning, succession and tax considerations are reviewed alongside the overall condition of the business.
Looking at the company through the eyes of a potential buyer is an important part of their approach. This helps identify areas that may influence value or make the business more attractive during a sale. Beyond financial matters, they consider operational processes, management, legal issues and business performance as part of a broader exit plan.
Key Highlights
- Structured approach to exit planning
- Focus on business value before sale
- Personal and business planning combined
- Business readiness assessments
- Corporate finance involvement
- Support for succession and ownership changes
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business succession planning
- Business value improvement planning
- Tax planning for business exits
- Corporate finance advisory
- Business sale preparation
- Business performance reviews
- Exit readiness planning
Contact Information
- Website: www.hawsons.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hawsonscharteredaccountants
- Twitter: x.com/Hawsons
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hawsons-chartered-accountants
- Address: Pegasus House, 463a Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2QD
- Phone: 0114 266 7141
ABM Chartered Accountants
ABM Chartered Accountants encourage business owners to begin planning their exit well before a sale is expected. Their service combines tax planning with practical preparation, helping owners understand how different exit routes may affect both the business and the proceeds they receive. The process covers sales, succession, employee ownership and company closure where appropriate.
Preparation continues beyond choosing an exit route. Financial records, business valuation, tax reliefs and transaction planning all form part of the work carried out before negotiations begin. They also include post-sale tax considerations so owners can plan for the period after the business has been transferred.
Key Highlights
- Early planning for business exits
- Tax-focused exit preparation
- Advice on multiple exit routes
- Business valuation support
- Business Asset Disposal Relief planning
- Post-sale financial planning
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business valuation
- Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) planning
- Tax-efficient exit structuring
- Succession planning
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) planning
- Deal preparation
- Post-sale advisory
Contact Information
- Website: abmcharteredaccountants.com
- Email: info@abmdigitalaccountants.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ABMCharteredAccountant
- Twitter: x.com/abmacountants
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/abmcharteredaccountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/abmcharteredaccountants
- Address: Suite 3G/H, 10 Tiller Rd, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 8PX, UK
- Phone: +44 (0) 771 827 7546
Xeinadin
Xeinadin include exit planning within their wider corporate finance services, supporting business owners who are preparing for a change in ownership. Their approach considers the financial and commercial aspects of an exit, helping businesses plan for a transition while keeping long-term objectives in view.
Corporate finance advice is available throughout the process, covering business growth, acquisitions and exits as connected stages in a company's development. This allows owners to review their options before making decisions about the timing and structure of a future sale or transfer.
Key Highlights
- Exit planning through corporate finance services
- Support for business ownership transitions
- Financial planning for business exits
- Advice on business sales
- Corporate finance expertise
- Planning aligned with long-term business goals
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Corporate finance advisory
- Business sale support
- Business valuation guidance
- Transaction planning
- Ownership transition planning
- Business growth planning
- Acquisition and exit advisor
Contact Information
- Website: www.xeinadin.com
- Email: info@xeinadin.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/xeinadin
- Twitter: x.com/xeinadin
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/xeinadin
- Address: Level 5A, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, United Kingdom
- Phone: 020 7383 3200
Kirk Rice
Kirk Rice helps business owners explore different ways of leaving a business, with planning that starts long before a transaction takes place. Their advisers consider personal circumstances, business performance and market conditions when reviewing the available options. The aim is to help owners understand which route fits their situation before moving towards a sale or succession.
Different ownership transitions are covered, including third-party sales, management buyouts and Employee Ownership Trusts. Preparation for buyer due diligence, business valuation and tax planning all form part of the process, giving owners a clearer picture of what needs to be in place before negotiations begin.
Key Highlights
- Long-term approach to exit planning
- Advice on multiple exit routes
- Support for management buyouts
- Employee Ownership Trust planning
- Business valuation and due diligence preparation
- Tax planning linked to business exits
Services
- Exit strategy planning
- Business valuation
- Management buyout planning
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) planning
- Succession planning
- Tax planning for business exits
- Due diligence preparation
- Merger and acquisition advisory
Contact Information
- Website: www.kirkrice.co.uk
- Email: info@kirkrice.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kirkricellp
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kirk-rice-accountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kirkriceaccountants
- Address: Zeeta House, 200 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 2SH
- Phone: 0208 789 8588
Conclusion
Planning a business exit is rarely just about finding a buyer. It often involves understanding the value of the business, considering tax implications, deciding on the most suitable exit route and preparing the company for a smooth transition. Because every business is different, the right adviser will depend on the owner's goals, the stage of the business and the type of exit being considered.
Many organisations look for advisers who can combine financial, tax and strategic guidance throughout the process. Experience with business valuations, succession planning, corporate finance and transaction support can also be important, depending on the complexity of the exit.
The firms featured in this guide offer different approaches to exit strategy services in the UK. Some focus primarily on tax planning, while others bring together corporate finance, valuations and succession advice. Comparing their services, areas of expertise and approach to planning can help business owners identify the support that best matches their circumstances and long-term objectives.