It depends mainly on the target's maintainable earnings: the profit it can reliably make and turn into cash to repay the debt. We arrange acquisition finance from £25,000 to £10 million, and the right figure depends on the business, the deal structure, your experience and the security available.
What sets the amount
- Maintainable earnings: senior debt is sized to the target's adjusted profit, not its turnover or the asking price.
- Repayment headroom: lenders want the business to cover its repayments comfortably, with room for a weaker year.
- Security: assets such as property or equipment can support extra borrowing, through a commercial mortgage or asset-based lending.
- Your contribution and vendor support: these reduce how much has to be borrowed. See How much deposit do I need to buy a business?.
- You as the buyer: your sector experience and track record.
If the price is more than lenders will fund
The gap has to come from somewhere: more of your own money, more vendor finance, a mezzanine layer, or a lower price. See How is buying a business usually funded? The capital stack.
Getting a realistic figure early
We'll come back with two or three structured options, so you can see what's achievable before you commit to a price.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026