Can I Sell My Business Without a Solicitor? Expert Tips for a Smooth Sale in 2025
Can I Sell My Business Without a Solicitor?
Here’s the short answer: yes, you can sell a business without a solicitor — but for most owners, it’s a risky way to save money. One missing clause or a vague promise can come back months later as an expensive dispute. If you’re searching for business law solicitors or business solicitors near me, this guide walks you through what’s safe to DIY, what isn’t, and how to protect your payout.
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What does it actually mean to sell without a solicitor?
It means you take the lead on everything: heads of terms, due diligence, contract drafting, negotiations, completion, and handover. You’ll be deciding between an asset sale or a share sale, handling the disclosure letter, and making sure your warranties and indemnities won’t haunt you later. Doable? Sometimes. Relaxing? Not really.
Quick story: a café owner in Kent sold “on a handshake” with a simple contract. Six months later the buyer claimed a supplier debt hadn’t been disclosed. A solicitor would’ve built in protections; instead, there was a nasty bill and a lot of stress.
What legal risks are you taking on?
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Contracts that don’t do what you think they do.
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Missing disclosures → future claims.
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Unclear ownership of IP, websites, branding, or data.
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Employment issues (e.g., TUPE) not handled correctly.
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Tax traps that eat into your price.
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A buyer’s solicitor out-negotiating you because they do this every day.
Even small mistakes in a private business sale can cost more than solicitor fees.
Is it legally allowed to sell without a solicitor?
Yes. The law doesn’t force you to instruct one. But “allowed” and “advisable” aren’t the same thing. For most owners, a solicitor is the difference between a clean exit and a long inbox thread titled “Re: breach”.
When might a DIY sale be OK?
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The price is very low (think: under ~£10k).
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You’re selling to a trusted family member and the assets are simple.
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You’ve got relevant legal experience.
Even then, many owners still get a contract review from business law solicitors before signing — a cheaper halfway house.
What do business law solicitors actually do?
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Draft or review your Asset Purchase Agreement or Share Purchase Agreement.
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Prepare the disclosure letter and manage warranties/indemnities.
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Sort IP assignments, data protection, and commercial contracts.
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Handle employment (TUPE), property, licences, and completion steps.
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Negotiate terms so you don’t give away value by accident.
It’s not just paperwork — it’s a safety net for the money you’ve worked years to earn.
How to spot a sale that’s too complex to DIY
Ask yourself:
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Am I selling shares (not just assets)?
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Do I have employees, a lease, or valuable IP?
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Will the buyer demand heavy warranties and indemnities?
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Are there earn-outs, retentions, or deferred payments?
If you’re nodding, bring in a pro.
10 reasons to use a solicitor when selling
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Watertight contracts
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Clear disclosure → fewer claims
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Better tax structuring (with your accountant)
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TUPE handled properly
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IP and brand protected
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Buyer confidence goes up
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Faster, cleaner due diligence
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Negotiation leverage
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Fewer “unknown unknowns”
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Peace of mind at completion
Typical costs (and why they can be worth it)
Expect minimum fees from around £3,500 + VAT for simple sales, or ~1–2% of the deal value for larger/complex deals. Sounds chunky — until you compare it with the cost of a post-completion dispute or a price chip you didn’t see coming.
How to reduce costs if you still want to DIY
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Prep like a pro: organise accounts, contracts, licences, IP, and staff records in one folder.
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Use quality templates (not random downloads).
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Pay for a targeted review: get a solicitor to mark up key clauses only.
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Keep emotions out of email — let your advisor push back on tough points.
If you want a balanced approach, speak to Nouveau Legal about limited-scope support (e.g., “review only”).
Trends for business sales in 2025
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AI contract checks will flag risky clauses faster — buyers will expect tidy paperwork.
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Hybrid legal services (pay for the part you need) will grow.
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Virtual data rooms and e-signatures are standard; slow admin frustrates buyers.
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Tougher markets mean buyers push harder on warranties and price protections.
Translation: documentation quality matters more than ever.
FAQs
Can I sell my business without a solicitor in the UK?
You can, but it’s rarely wise unless the deal is tiny and simple.
Do I need both an accountant and a solicitor?
Yes. Accountants protect your numbers and tax; solicitors protect your contract and risk.
What if the buyer has a solicitor and I don’t?
You’ll be on the back foot. It’s like turning up to a cup final without a goalkeeper.
Where can I find business solicitors near me?
Try a regulated firm like Nouveau Legal — business sales, clear pricing, plain English.
How long does a sale take?
Straightforward deals can complete in weeks; most take 2–3 months once due diligence starts.
Final takeaway
Yes, you can sell without a solicitor — but should you? If there’s real money on the table, protect it. Get the documents right, manage risk, and finish well. If you’re weighing up a DIY route, at least book a contract review with experienced business law solicitors before you sign.
