Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions an owner can make. While finding the right buyer is important, the most successful transactions are often achieved by businesses that have spent time building strong financial foundations and developing trusted relationships with advisers who understand their business. That was certainly the case for Move Estate Agents.
Having worked with Randall & Payne for almost six years, director George Tatham-Losh had already established a strong relationship with our team before deciding that the time was right to explore a sale. During this period, we supported Move with annual accounts preparation, regular management accounts, tax advice and wider financial support, giving us a detailed understanding of the business, its financial performance and the aspirations of its owners.
Established as an independent estate agency, Move had built a strong reputation through its focus on delivering a personal service and developing lasting relationships with its clients. When George decided to consider his exit, it was important that any future owner would recognise the strengths of the business and continue to build upon the reputation and culture they had created.
Finding the right buyer
The sale process did not begin without challenges. Move had initially agreed a transaction with another buyer, with completion expected at the end of January 2026. However, despite significant progress, the transaction could not proceed when the buyer was unable to secure the required finance.
Rather than allowing this setback to prevent their plans from moving forward, George continued to explore opportunities and identified Dwelly as a potential buyer. Discussions progressed quickly, with Heads of Terms agreed by the end of January 2026 and the sale completing on 1 April 2026.
A key priority for George was finding the right purchaser who would continue to build on the legacy created. The successful sale to Dwelly provided the opportunity for Move to continue its journey under new ownership while achieving the outcome the directors were looking for.
Preparation made the difference
Randall & Payne advised Move on the financial aspects of the transaction, with Corporate Finance Senior, James Cook, leading the day-to-day engagement alongside Managing Partner, Rob Case, who provided advice and oversight throughout the process.
Working alongside the legal team at Willans LLP and the purchaser’s advisers, we supported Move throughout the transaction. Our longstanding relationship with Willans also helped ensure effective communication and collaboration between advisers, contributing to the smooth progression of the deal.
Our support included:
- Preparing and presenting financial information throughout the due diligence process.
- Acting as a key financial contact for all parties involved.
- Working closely with the legal advisers and purchaser’s team to address queries and maintain momentum.
- Preparing the Completion Accounts following completion to finalise the transaction.
Because we already understood the business and its finances, we were able to respond quickly to requests and provide clear information throughout the process. Completing a business sale in around three months from Heads of Terms requires preparation, collaboration and strong communication from everyone involved.
Several factors helped make the transaction a success:
- Years of accurate, up-to-date management accounts meant financial information was readily available.
- Our longstanding relationship with Move meant there was no learning curve when the transaction began.
- Existing relationships between advisers helped facilitate efficient communication throughout the process.
- George worked collaboratively with advisers and the purchaser to achieve their objectives.
A successful outcome built on preparation
Despite the original sale falling through, this transaction demonstrates that setbacks do not have to prevent a successful outcome. With good preparation, reliable financial information and experienced advisers who know the business, a sale can move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.
Even if now is not the right time to sell, preparing in advance can make a significant difference when the opportunity arises.
For business owners considering a future sale, investing in robust financial reporting and building trusted relationships with advisers well before a transaction begins can make all the difference when the time comes to sell.
George Tatham-Losh, Founder, Move Estate Agents:
Selling Move was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made, and having Randall & Payne by my side throughout the process gave me complete confidence. They had worked with us for almost six years, so they understood our business inside out and were able to respond quickly to the countless financial and commercial queries that arose during the transaction.
When our first sale unexpectedly fell through, it would have been easy to lose momentum. Instead, James, Rob and the wider team remained proactive, pragmatic and supportive, helping us prepare for the next opportunity. When the sale to Dwelly progressed, their knowledge of the business, attention to detail and ability to work seamlessly with our legal advisers and the purchaser’s team played a significant role in keeping the transaction on track.
Their advice was always commercial, responsive and easy to understand, and they genuinely felt like an extension of our own team rather than external advisers. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Randall & Payne to any business owner looking for trusted advisers who can support both the day-to-day running of a business and the complexities of a successful sale.”
