Corporate finance advisers, brokers, accountants and solicitors: who you need, when, and what to ask them.
Reviewed by Valius AdvisoryUpdated Autumn 2026Deal execution track (0–6 months out)
A lead adviser (corporate finance or broker) positions the business, finds buyers and runs the process. Your accountant supports the numbers and tax. A corporate solicitor handles the legal documents and negotiation of and .
2 more sections, plus the full readiness assessment, valuation estimator and your personal exit plan.
Mostly non-binding, entirely decisive: what to negotiate before the lawyers start drafting.
Read the guideDiligenceThe questions that come up in almost every UK deal, and how to have good answers ready.
Read the guideDeal structureHow earn-outs work, when they make sense, and how to protect yourself if part of your price depends on future performance.
Read the guidePlanningWhat to do, quarter by quarter, in the two years before you sell, and why the order matters.
Read the guide