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Help Acquisition Finance · Eligibility Do I need a target business before I apply for acquisition finance?
Help guide · Acquisition Finance · Eligibility 1 min read

Do I need a target business before I apply for acquisition finance?

Not to start working with us. You can begin with your search criteria, such as sector, size and location, and we'll help you shape the funding approach early. To apply to a lender, though, you'll need a specific...

Not to start working with us. You can begin with your search criteria, such as sector, size and location, and we'll help you shape the funding approach early. To apply to a lender, though, you'll need a specific business identified.

Starting early helps

Working out your funding before you agree a deal lets you:

  • know how much you can realistically borrow, and what you'll need to put in
  • make offers a seller takes seriously
  • structure the deal, including any vendor finance, alongside the negotiation rather than after it

What lenders need

A lender assesses a specific deal: the business's accounts and earnings, the price, the structure and you as the buyer. That's why a lender application waits until you've identified a target and, usually, agreed heads of terms.

What we don't fund

A general wish to buy something one day. You need a real search, with criteria, or a real shortlist.

Ready with a target?

Send us the information memorandum and we'll come back with a structure. See How does applying for acquisition finance with bizbritain work?.

Last reviewed: 8 October 2026

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