2016 ‘year of the exit’ to dispose of a company

Next year could be the ideal time to exit from a business, with sale conditions set to be better than in years, according to accountancy firm Campbell Dallas.

Campbell Dallas partner Graham Cunning. Picture: Fraser Band

Graham Cunning, corporate finance partner, said a “positive” environment for exits is arising from factors such as low interest rates, corporates with cash for acquisitions and “investors keen to back growing businesses”.

However, while Cunning also highlighted entrepreneurs’ relief as another advantage, he said there is a lack of certainty over this benefit’s future, adding that interest rates look set to increase.

He said: “These conditions will not remain for ever, so 2016 could be an ideal year for an exit, whether as trade sales, employee or management buyout, or partial sales of equity.”

Campbell Dallas, which has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling, said that this year it advised on 15 deals worth a combined £100 million.