UK SME acquisitions · £1M–£10M turnover

We buy established UK businesses, and care for what you've built.

SL Investments acquires and invests in owner-managed SMEs. Whether you are planning a full sale, a partial exit or a succession, we offer a direct and discreet route to the right next step.

Business advisor in a navy suit in a bright office

Discreet from the very first conversation.

Selling your business

Four ways to step back, on your own terms

Every owner's situation is different. We shape each agreement around your timeline, your people and how involved you wish to remain.

i.

Full sale

Sell the whole company and step away with a clean exit and a considered handover.

ii.

Partial exit

Sell a majority stake, realise value today and keep a share in future growth.

iii.

Succession

No successor in the family or team? We provide continuity for your staff and customers.

iv.

Growth partnership

Not ready to sell? Bring in capital and an experienced partner to grow the business first.

Navy laptop and notebook on a boardroom table

What we buy

The businesses we acquire

Well-run, owner-managed companies with loyal customers and a team worth keeping together.

£1M–£10M
Annual turnover
5+ years
Trading history
Majority
Or a meaningful stake
UK-based
Founder or family-owned

Sectors we know well

Manufacturing · Engineering · Logistics & distribution · Wholesale · Construction trades · Business & professional services · Healthcare · Technology · Consumer

Our full acquisition criteria
A business built over years deserves more than a quick sale. It deserves a buyer who understands what it took.

The SL Investments approach

How it works

A clear and confidential process

You deal with the same people from the first conversation to completion, and you may pause at any stage.

Quiet meeting room with a round table and brass pendant light
  1. 01

    A private conversation

    Twenty minutes to talk about your business, your goals and your preferred timing.

  2. 02

    Your complimentary valuation

    We review your accounts and give you a realistic view of what your company is worth today.

  3. 03

    Offer and heads of terms

    If it is the right fit, we make a clear offer and agree the structure and timeline together.

  4. 04

    Completion and handover

    Due diligence, legal completion and a handover plan that protects your team and customers.

Two business owners shaking hands to agree a sale

Why sell to SL Investments

More than a transaction

One buyer, one conversation

You speak directly with the people making the decision. No auction, no chain of intermediaries.

Your legacy, protected

We acquire businesses to keep and grow them, with continuity for your staff, customers and name.

Hands-on growth support

We strengthen reporting, operations and sales so the business continues to grow after the deal.

Access to new markets

Through our partner GroundBridge International, we open routes into the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

FAQs

Questions owners often ask

Can't see yours? Write to info@slinvestments.co and we will reply personally.

How much is my business worth?

It depends on profit, growth, customer mix and how reliant the business is on you. Our complimentary valuation, for companies turning over £1M or more, gives you a realistic figure based on your own accounts.

Do I have to sell the whole company?

No. We acquire whole companies and majority stakes and, in some cases, invest for growth while you remain in control.

What happens to my staff?

We acquire businesses because of the people in them. Continuity for your team is part of every plan we agree with you.

Is the valuation confidential, and is there a fee?

Yes. There is no fee and no obligation, and we are happy to sign an NDA before you share any figures.

How long does a sale take?

It varies with the size of the deal and due diligence. After our first conversation we will give you a realistic timeline for your situation.

Insights for owners

Planning your exit

Tablet showing a rising revenue chartValuation

How to value a UK SME before you sell

Coming soon
Empty meeting room ready for a board discussionSuccession

Selling or succession: which exit suits a family business?

Coming soon
Laptop and documents prepared for due diligencePreparation

Preparing your business for sale: a 12-month checklist

Coming soon

Complimentary valuation

Discover what your business is worth today

For UK businesses turning over £1M or more. Complimentary, confidential and without obligation, whether you plan to sell next year or in ten years' time.

  • An NDA before you share any figures
  • A personal reply, never an automated estimate
  • Full details on our valuation page

Two ways to begin

i.

Book a private 20-minute call

Choose a time that suits you. We'll talk about your business and arrange your valuation.

Choose a time
ii.

Email us your details

Send your company name, turnover and timing to info@slinvestments.co. We reply personally.

Email your details

We only use your details to reply to you.