Sell my business in Canada
Selling a privately owned Canadian business takes preparation, the right advisers and realistic expectations on timeline and tax. This page covers the usual path, what preparation actually helps, what brokers charge, and the tax exemption many Canadian owners can use. It is general guidance only - talk to an accountant, a lawyer and (if you use one) a broker before you act.
The usual steps
1. Be clear on why you are selling and what you want from the deal - full cash-out, staying involved, legacy. Your goals shape the structure. Source: BDC: How to sell your business
2. Assemble your advisers early: an accountant for statements, projections and tax structure; a business valuator for a realistic price view; legal support; and optionally a broker or strategic advisor. Source: BDC: How to sell your business
3. Prepare the business: clean financial statements, documented operations, resolved compliance issues.
4. Set a valuation view (see our Canadian valuation guide).
5. Choose how to market the business: a business broker, an M&A advisor, an online marketplace, or a direct approach. See our guide to choosing a broker.
6. Handle buyer inquiries, due diligence, negotiations and closing.
Start earlier than you think
BDC's advisers warn that many owners wait too long to plan, and underestimate how long preparation takes - and that planning well in advance makes a big difference to the outcome. A 2021 BDC study found that 9% of Canadian businesses would be put up for sale over the following five years, so buyers have choices. Source: BDC: How to sell your business
What brokers charge (typical, varies)
For a sell-side engagement, a Canadian business broker will often charge an initial fee to launch the project, then a commission at completion. As source guidance (BDC, typical structures, not a current rate card): "typically around 12% for transactions below CAD $1 million", decreasing with size; "for a CAD $10 million transaction... often in the 4% to 6% range". Source: BDC: business broker roles and fees Budget also for accounting and legal work.
The tax break many owners can use
Selling shares of a qualifying small business corporation can qualify for the lifetime capital gains exemption (LCGE). The CRA publishes the exemption limit per tax year: for 2025 it was CAD $1,250,000 for qualifying properties, and the CRA states that indexation of the LCGE resumes in 2026 - check the CRA page for the current-year figure before relying on any number. Conditions are strict (asset tests, holding period, share type), and selling assets instead of shares is taxed differently. Confirm eligibility with a tax professional before you choose a deal structure. Source: CRA T4002: capital gains deduction (LCGE limit) Source: CRA T4037: Capital Gains guide