How long does it take to sell a security business?

The typical timeline from initial conversation to completion is 5 to 9 months. The early stages of valuation and buyer approaches take 4 to 6 weeks, with the remainder spent on meetings, offers, due diligence, and legal completion. Every sale is different, and we never rush the process.

Will my staff find out I am considering a sale?

Not unless you choose to tell them. Confidentiality is the foundation of our process. We use anonymised teasers when approaching buyers, and no information about your business is shared until you have reviewed and approved each step. Your operatives, office staff, and clients will not know you are considering a sale.

What happens to my staff when the business is sold?

Your staff are protected by TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations. Their employment terms, SIA licences and any BS 7858 vetting transfer automatically to the new owner. Most buyers actively want to retain a trained, licensed workforce, as it is one of the most valuable assets in the business.

Do I need to prepare my business before speaking to you?

No preparation is needed for the first conversation. We want to understand your situation, your business, and your timeline. If you decide to proceed, we will guide you through what buyers typically want to see, including 3 years of accounts, contract and monitoring account lists, SIA licences and NSI or SSAIB certifications, and employee records.

How Selling Your Security Business Works

Q: Is there any obligation if I have an initial conversation?

None whatsoever. The initial conversation is completely confidential and without obligation. Many of the owners we speak to are simply exploring their options and want to understand what their business might be worth. There is no pressure to proceed at any stage.

FIVE CLEAR STEPS

From first conversation to completion.

Every sale follows the same structured process. No surprises, no ambiguity, and complete confidentiality at every stage.

First Conversation

Everything starts with a confidential chat. We want to understand your situation: why you are considering a sale, your timeline, any concerns. There is no obligation and no pressure. Many of the owners we speak to are simply exploring their options.

Security operations desk with access control card, radio and monitoring equipment

Understanding Your Business

We take a detailed look at your operation: your SIA-licensed workforce, operative qualifications, contract and monitoring account book, recurring monitoring revenue, response fleet, and financial performance. This helps us understand what makes your business valuable and how to position it to buyers.

Engineer servicing a commercial intruder alarm and monitoring panel

Your Valuation

Based on our analysis, we provide a realistic valuation range. Manned guarding, electronic systems and a book of monitored accounts are each valued differently, so we explain the methodology, the comparable transactions, and the factors driving the number. You then decide whether to proceed.

Finding the Right Buyers

We approach our register of pre-qualified buyers: private equity platforms building security portfolios, national security groups expanding geographically, and trade acquirers looking for capability or a book of monitored accounts. We create competitive tension by generating multiple offers.

Completion and Beyond

We manage negotiations, due diligence, and legal coordination through to completion. In security, that means buyers verifying your monitoring account book and contract retention, your SIA licensing and BS 7858 vetting, and your accreditation status. Most owners stay on for a handover period of 3 to 6 months. Your staff are protected under TUPE. Your clients experience minimal disruption.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Your privacy is protected at every stage.

Throughout the entire process, confidentiality is absolute. We use anonymised teasers when approaching buyers. No information about your business is shared until you have reviewed and approved each step. Your staff, clients, and competitors will not know you are considering a sale unless you choose to tell them.

Typical Timeline

Week 1-2: Initial conversation and information gathering

Week 3-4: Valuation and positioning

Month 2-3: Buyer approaches and interest

Month 3-5: Meetings and offers

Month 5-9: Due diligence and completion

GET IN TOUCH

Start with a confidential conversation.

No obligation, no pressure. Tell us about your business and we will be in touch within 24 hours.

Thank you for getting in touch.

Simon Read will be in contact within 24 hours. Direct conversation, not a sales team. Everything you have shared is treated in the strictest confidence.

How selling your security business works.