How earn-outs work, when they make sense, and how to protect yourself if part of your price depends on future performance.
Reviewed by Valius AdvisoryUpdated Autumn 2026Deal execution track (0–6 months out)
Part of the price is paid after , depending on the business hitting agreed targets, typically revenue or profit, over one to three years.
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 guideAdvisersCorporate finance advisers, brokers, accountants and solicitors: who you need, when, and what to ask them.
Read the guidePlanningWhat to do, quarter by quarter, in the two years before you sell, and why the order matters.
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