The marketplace for UK business
acquisitions
Flow connects retiring SME owners with search fund operators and roll-up acquirers. Structured, confidential, and built for serious transactions.
The problem
3.5 million UK SME owners over 55 — with no succession plan
Most will retire in the next decade. Their businesses — built over careers — risk being wound down simply because the right buyer never appeared at the right time.
No structured market
Deal flow is fragmented across brokers, LinkedIn outreach, and word of mouth. Buyers and sellers rarely connect at the right moment.
Slow, manual processes
Traditional M&A advisers are optimised for larger deals. Sub-£10m transactions are underserved — taking 12–24 months or falling through entirely.
Information asymmetry
Sellers don't know what buyers want. Buyers can't assess quality without weeks of back-and-forth. Trust breaks down before conversations begin.
How it works
Simple for sellers. Powerful for buyers.
List your business
Complete a structured profile — financials, team, reason for sale. Listings are anonymous until you choose to disclose.
Receive vetted interest
Acquirers apply to view your full information memorandum. You approve who proceeds — no unsolicited contact.
Close with confidence
Flow provides a deal room, NDA templates, and introductions to specialist M&A solicitors to take you to completion.
Build your search thesis
Define your criteria — sector, geography, revenue range, EBITDA floor. Get matched with relevant listings as they go live.
Access deal data
Submit an interest request. Receive the information memorandum, management accounts, and customer concentration data.
Progress to exclusivity
Use Flow's deal room to manage diligence, negotiate heads of terms, and coordinate with advisers through to close.
For business owners
You've built something valuable. Find the right buyer without disrupting your business or leaking sensitive information.
- Anonymous listing — disclose only when you're ready
- Free to list — no upfront fees or retainers
- Access to 300+ vetted search fund operators
- Structured process from LOI to completion
- Introductions to specialist M&A solicitors
- Typical time to first offer: 6–8 weeks
For acquirers
Whether you're running a search fund, building a roll-up, or deploying capital for the first time — Flow gives you proprietary deal flow.
- Curated listings matched to your thesis
- Pre-screened financials and management accounts
- Deal room with NDA management built in
- Seller intent score — know who's serious
- Direct messaging once interest is accepted
- Access to off-market opportunities
Featured listings
Active opportunities
Established IT managed services provider with long-tenure client base. Majority recurring revenue. Owner retiring after 22 years.
Precision engineering sub-contractor serving automotive and aerospace sectors. Strong order book. ISO 9001 certified. Freehold premises included.
Multi-site physiotherapy practice with NHS and private referral contracts. Two clinic locations. Experienced clinical management team in place.
Full financials and information memoranda available to registered acquirers only
Pricing
Transparent. No surprises.
Sellers list free. Acquirers pay a simple subscription for full platform access.
Seller listing
For business owners ready to explore a sale
- Anonymous business profile
- Receive and review acquirer interest
- Secure deal room access
- NDA templates included
- Solicitor introduction service
- Success fee: 1.5% on completion
Searcher subscription
For operators, funds, and acquirers
- Full access to all listings
- Unlimited deal room access
- Management accounts & financials
- Seller intent scoring
- Saved search alerts
- Direct messaging with sellers
- Priority support
Ready to find your next acquisition?
Join 340+ acquirers and business owners already using Flow. Start with a 14-day free trial — no credit card required.
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