There are many reasons to buy a business in the UAE. Foreign buyers can more rapidly enter the growing UAE market. Local entrepreneurs or investors seek to grow their holdings.

There are also many good reasons to sell a business. Regardless of your reason, a well-thought out plan will help you maximize value.

Family considerations such as a desire to be closer to extended family or care for an ailing relative, are a common reason to sell a business, especially in a country such as the UAE where many owners are expatriates.

Succession planning is critical to maintaining the franchise value of a business. Selling a business is one way to address this concern, before a crisis arises. Where a professional management team is capable of running the business, there are additional opportunities to consider such as a management buy-out or financial investors.

Diversification leads to higher risk adjusted returns- an axiom of modern finance. Owners often have a substantial portion of their personal wealth within a single business. Even owners of multiple businesses are subject to regional economic and geo-political risks beyond their control. Selling a business frees up capital to invest in other assets throughout the world.

Focusing on a core business may be a more productive use of an owner’s time than managing a conglomerate of unrelated businesses. Focusing growth on a single business can help achieve a critical mass necessary receive a higher valuation from foreign strategic buyers, private equity, or even an IPO.

Changes in the competitive environment from better capitalized competitors, disruptive technology, or government regulations are a source of risk. Changes in the competitive environment may force owners to make additional investment just to maintain their current position. In the face of such challenges, a sale may be the owners' best strategic option.

Interest expressed by a potential business buyer very often initiates a decision by the owner to sell a business. But how do you know this is a fair offer, that there is not someone else willing to pay significantly more?  How can you be assured that the terms of the deal will not change after the buyer performs due-diligence? flyingcolour.com understands the unique issues in buying a business in the UAE. Our services will improve the value of your business throughout the sales process, not just by identifying potential buyers.