Ask what your business is worth and why, who the likely buyer is, how confidentiality will be protected in a market this connected, and what the broker’s fee structure is. Any broker worth engaging answers all four plainly.

Yes, a professional valuation anchors your asking price in evidence. In the GTA’s price-aware market, a defensible number is your strongest negotiating asset.

They are significant and structure dependent. Capital gains treatment applies to most sales, and shares of a qualifying small business corporation may be eligible for the lifetime capital gains exemption. Always engage a tax advisor early; the structure you choose before listing can change your after-tax outcome substantially.

Confidentiality is maintained until the appropriate moment, which you control. Buyers typically commit to retaining staff, since the team is part of what they are buying, and transition planning is discussed at the right stage of the deal.

Yes, full and accurate disclosure is a legal obligation, and discovered surprises kill deals and invite litigation. Sunbelt coordinates with your legal counsel to ensure disclosure is complete and properly documented.

An asset sale transfers the business’s assets into the buyer’s entity; a share sale transfers the corporation itself, liabilities included. Tax treatment differs sharply for both sides, which is why structure is negotiated, not assumed. Your tax and legal advisors guide the choice.

Usually yes, but landlord consent is typically required, and lease terms can affect your sale price and timing. Sunbelt helps coordinate the assignment process with your landlord early, so it never becomes a closing-week surprise.

Due diligence, financing confirmation, the definitive purchase agreement, landlord and franchisor consents where applicable, and closing preparations. This stretch typically runs 60 to 90 days, and active management is what keeps it from stretching further.

Often, for a brief period of time. Transition periods of weeks to months are common in the GTA and can strengthen both price and buyer confidence. The length is negotiated to suit you.

Your confidentiality is maintained so apart from yourself and the buyer, nobody knows. Sunbelt revisits the market, applies what the failed deal revealed, and brings the next qualified buyer forward.