There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to finding an investor or selling a business – every one is different. Options can include:

• Competitors, suppliers, and customers.
• New market entrants including foreign companies.
• The existing management (buy out) or another management team (buy in).
• Private equity funds.

Sometimes a competitor or supplier may see considerable synergies which may result in a higher price being offered: However, a private equity fund could also provide the capital to also buy out a competitor or supplier as part of the initial deal, so ensuring that the potential synergies are not lost.