Buying a business requires three decisions before proceeding: what type of business you are looking for, how much capital you can commit, and what risks you are willing to take. To structure your search, see where to find businesses for sale and compare the advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business. After selecting an opportunity, confirm the quality of the results, the debt, contracts, and the owner's dependency through due diligence. Only then does it make sense to negotiate price and terms.
Complete Guide
How to Buy a Business in Portugal
Discover the complete step-by-step process to acquire a business safely and confidently on the Comprar Empresa platform.
Step by Step
Step by Step: How to Buy a Business
Follow this structured process for a successful acquisition
Estimated time: 8-12 weeks
1
1. Research and Evaluation
Start by exploring our platform to find businesses that match your investment criteria. Use advanced filters to search by sector, location, revenue, and profitability. Carefully analyse the financial information presented, market data, and growth potential.
Tip
Clearly define your investment criteria before you start. Consult business valuation experts for a more in-depth analysis.
What you need:
- Access to the Comprar Empresa platform
- Defined investment criteria
- Estimated available capital
- Valid identification documents
2
2. Contact the Seller
After identifying a business of interest, contact the seller through our secure messaging system. Introduce yourself, demonstrate your genuine interest, and request additional information. This is the time to schedule a visit to the premises and understand the company's operations.
Tip
Prepare a list of specific questions before contacting. Be professional and transparent about your purchase intentions.
What you need:
- Active account on the platform
- Clear and professional communication
- Availability for meetings
- Demonstrated financial capacity (if requested)
3
3. Financial Due Diligence
Conduct a thorough analysis of the company's financial records. Review balance sheets from the last 3-5 years, income statements, tax returns, and audit reports. Assess financial health, profit margins, cash flow, and debt levels. Hire an accounting specialist if necessary.
Tip
Request the last 3 years of audited financial records. Check for consistency between internal records and tax statements.
What you need:
- Access to complete financial records
- Knowledge of financial analysis or specialist
- Accounting software or analysis tools
- Access to tax record databases
4
4. Operational and Legal Due Diligence
Analyse the operational and legal aspects of the business. Check contracts with customers and suppliers, intellectual property, licenses, and permits. Consult a specialised lawyer to review the legal structure, regulatory compliance, and potential liabilities. Confirm ownership rights and absence of litigation.
Tip
Designate a lawyer experienced in business acquisitions. Obtain a bank debt report before proceeding.
What you need:
- Consultation with a specialised lawyer
- Access to the company's legal documentation
- Public record checks
- Credit and debt reports
5
5. Negotiating Price and Terms
Based on the analysis conducted, negotiate the purchase price and the terms of the transaction. Present a formal purchase proposal that includes the price, payment terms, included assets, and contingencies. Be prepared for discussions and counter-proposals. Use the due diligence analysis to support your negotiations.
Tip
Always have a predetermined maximum price. Consider flexible financing terms. Include appropriate contractual guarantees.
What you need:
- Formal purchase proposal
- Financial capacity documentation
- Notary or notarial intermediary
- Signed confidentiality agreement
6
6. Formalisation and Documentation
Once the terms are agreed, proceed with the legal documentation of the transaction. Work with your lawyer and the seller to prepare the purchase and sale deed. This document should include all transaction details, assets, assumed liabilities, and special conditions. Sign in front of a notary or public notary.
Tip
Carefully review all documents before signing. Consider a closing date that allows for proper transition.
What you need:
- Draft of the deed prepared
- Complete legal review
- Notarial authorisation
- Identification documentation from both parties
- Proof of financial capacity
7
7. Transfer and Closing
Make the payment as agreed and proceed with the legal transfer of ownership. Transfer bank assets, intellectual property records, and other accounts. Notify customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies about the change of ownership. Formalise the transition of management and operations.
Tip
Use a financial intermediary to ensure payment security. Keep records of all transactions for tax purposes.
What you need:
- Funds available for payment
- Bank transfer documentation
- Regulatory and commercial notifications
- Operational transition documentation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Businesses
The minimum investment varies widely depending on the type of business and sector. On our platform, you can find businesses from €10,000 to several million euros. The initial investment is defined by the available opportunities and your personal budget.
The typical process takes between 8 to 12 weeks from the initial contact to closing. This can vary depending on the complexity of the business, the speed of due diligence, and the availability of the parties involved. Simpler businesses may take less time, while complex businesses may require more time for analysis.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have a lawyer specialised in business acquisitions. An experienced lawyer will review all legal documentation, protect your interests, and ensure regulatory compliance. Legal advisory costs vary depending on the complexity of the operation and the chosen professional — request an upfront quote from the lawyer.
Due diligence is a thorough investigation of the business before purchase. It includes financial, legal, operational, and compliance analysis. It is crucial for identifying risks, hidden liabilities, and value opportunities, allowing for informed negotiations and protection of your investments.
We recommend that you always validate information directly with the seller and through your own due diligence. Request financial documentation, confirm the identity and ownership of the business, and whenever possible, seek accounting and legal advice before proceeding. Independent verification is the best protection in an acquisition.
Yes, there are various financing options available. Many banks offer credit for business acquisitions, although the percentage financed and the terms vary depending on the institution and the buyer's profile; confirm the terms with your bank. You can also explore financing from investors or partners. Consult your bank about specific terms and conditions.
Successful transactions typically have three things in common: well-defined investment criteria, complete financial and legal due diligence, and secured financing before starting negotiations. Preparing these points in advance, having professional advice (lawyer and accountant), and maintaining open communication with the seller significantly reduces the risk of the deal not proceeding.
Glossary
Important Terms to Know
Due Diligence
A thorough investigation and systematic analysis of the company you wish to acquire. It includes verification of financial records, legal contracts, regulatory compliance, assets, liabilities, and operations to identify risks and opportunities before purchase.
Business Transfer
Legal transfer of ownership of a business from one owner to another. It includes the sale of assets, goodwill, contracts, and operational permissions. It is formalised through a purchase and sale deed before a notary.
EBITDA
Acronym for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. It is a key metric for assessing operational profitability and financial performance of a company.
Goodwill
The intangible value of a business beyond its physical assets, such as reputation, customer base, trademarks, and relationships. It is the difference between the purchase price and the value of identified tangible and intangible assets.
Information
Recommended Practices for Buying Businesses
Essential tips to ensure a safe and successful acquisition
- Clearly define your investment criteria before you start researching
- Request at least 3 years of audited financial records
- Hire a lawyer specialised in business acquisitions
- Conduct complete financial, legal, and operational due diligence
- Check references from customers, suppliers, and employees
- Include appropriate contractual guarantees in the purchase deed
- Use an escrow or intermediary for payment security
- Plan the operational and management transition in advance
- Maintain open communication with the seller throughout the process
- Document all steps and agreements in writing
Contents
How to pay for the purchase
Few SME acquisitions are paid for solely with the buyer's cash. It is common to combine equity, bank credit — often with mutual guarantees or through the Impulsar Portugal Line, which finances the acquisition of equity in succession processes, scaling up, MBO, and MBI — and deferred payment to the seller.
How much comes from each party depends on the price, the company's results, and the guarantees available. The guide on how to finance the purchase of a business in Portugal explains each option, what is usually required, and how they combine.
If you already know which company you want to buy, you can request a financing analysis from the business profile: see the businesses for sale. The Comprar Empresa does not provide financing or decide on approval — it forwards the request to an independent partner.
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