Seller FAQ
Meaningful partnerships for software companies with legacy
We support founders and owners of software companies in passing on their life’s work — respectfully, responsibly, and with a clear commitment to long-term continuity and growth. Our partnership could commence within the next six to eight weeks.
These matters are best discussed in person. We would be pleased to meet you at your offices or welcome you to ours in London or Frankfurt — whichever is more convenient for you
Why Should I Sell My Software Company to ETG?
Preserve What You’ve Built
We acquire software businesses to hold and grow them for the long term — not to flip them. We invest in your team and product, ensuring your company can thrive for decades to come while honouring your legacy.
Fuel for Growth
We provide access to capital, experienced sparring partners, and support for both organic and acquisition-driven growth. We also open doors to international opportunities through our growing network.
Keep Your Independence
You’ve built something special, and we want you to keep running it. We do not take over day-to-day operations; instead, we trust local leadership to continue making decisions that are right for their teams and markets.
Collaborate and Connect
As part of ETG, your company will join a community of mission-driven software businesses — particularly in the public sector. We facilitate idea-sharing and cross-company learning to help everyone improve, together.
What Happens to Me After the Sale?
Can I Stay Involved in the Business?
Yes. Many founders choose to stay involved as advisers, board members, or by continuing to run the business with our support. Others prefer to step back gradually — or retire entirely. We’re flexible and tailor the transition to fit your needs.
What If I Want to Retire?
We’ll work closely with you to create a thoughtful succession plan — whether by promoting someone from within or hiring externally. Our goal is to ensure continuity and protect the culture and legacy you’ve built.
What Happens to My Team and Culture?
Will My Employees Be Kept On?
Absolutely. Your team is one of the most valuable parts of your company. Our goal is to retain talent, support development, and provide new opportunities — not to cut costs or restructure.
Will My Company Remain Independent?
Yes, in most cases. Your brand, culture, and leadership team will remain in place. If integration ever makes sense, it will only happen with your input and agreement — never as a surprise.
How Much Autonomy Will We Have?
We’ll work together to agree on high-level goals, but how you achieve them is up to you. We believe local leadership makes the best decisions — and we’re here to support, not control.
How Do I Know We’ll Be a Good Fit?
How Do You Ensure Cultural Alignment?
We care deeply about cultural fit. From our first conversations, we focus on building a relationship — not just a transaction. If we’re don’t feel aligned on values and vision, we won’t move forward.
I’ve Never Sold a Company Before — What Should I Expect?
That’s completely normal. Most of the founders we speak to are in the same position. We’ll guide you through every step of the process — clearly and transparently. No jargon, no pressure — just honest conversations.
How Do You Value My Business?
We look closely at the quality and sustainability of your recurring revenue. Stable, long-term customer relationships and predictable income streams drive value. If you’d like, we can offer an indicative valuation range after an initial conversation.
How Should I Prepare for a Sale?
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it’s useful to prepare key documents ahead of time:
- Business plan and product overview
- Customer and supplier data
- Market trends and competitive positioning
- Historical income statements and balance sheets
- Financial projections (typically three years forward)
We’ll provide a simple checklist and support you through every step.
What Are the Steps in the Acquisition Process?
Our process is collaborative and respectful of your time:
- Introductory Call – Aligning on vision and values
- Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) – Protecting your information
- Initial Offer – Non-binding valuation based on key metrics
- Letter of Intent (LOI) – Agreement on headline terms
- Due Diligence – Business, legal, and financial review
- Final Contract – Signing the Sale & Purchase Agreement
- Closing – Transition planning, financial settlement, and future collaboration
What Happens During Due Diligence?
We’ll work with you to validate the information shared during our initial conversations. This typically includes:
- Financials – Historical and forecast results
- Market – Competitive landscape and positioning
- Commercial – Customer base, sales pipeline, pricing
- Legal – Contracts, claims, and IP documentation
- Operations – Team structure and internal processes
- Tax – Historical statements and tax compliance
We’ll guide you through the entire process and provide a checklist to help you stay organised and in control.
What Advisors Should I Involve?
Depending on your comfort level and internal resources, you may consider involving:
- M&A Adviser or Broker – To guide you through buyer selection, valuation, and negotiation
- Lawyer – Preferably with M&A experience, to ensure a smooth legal process
- Accountant or Tax Adviser – To support due diligence and optimise your financial outcomes, including structuring the deal in a tax-efficient manner
We’re happy to coordinate directly with any advisers you trust.
What Will Change for My Customers?
Your customers will continue to receive the same care and service they know and trust — now with even greater long-term stability and resources behind the scenes. Because we never resell businesses, we invest with a long-term view and support you in expanding both your product offering and customer value.
I’m Planning to Sell in a Few Years — When Should I Reach Out?
We’re happy to connect early. Even if a sale is a few years away, it’s worthwhile starting the conversation now — to get to know each other, understand your goals, and explore whether there’s a long-term fit, with no obligation.
How Soon Can We Commence Our Partnership?
Let's meet in person
We believe these matters are best discussed face to face. We would be pleased to meet you at your offices or welcome you to ours in London or Frankfurt — whichever is more convenient for you.
Contact our acquisitions team
Let’s find out if the European Technology Group is the right place for your business.