GBCORP · BUY-SELL BUSINESS · CANADA
Buy or Sell a Business in Canada
GBCORP sells and buys Canadian businesses in transactions up to USD 20 million, from owner-run companies in Toronto to manufacturers, distributors and service firms in Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and across the provinces. We run each deal from valuation to closing, in English or French, with our local partner network of lawyers, accountants and tax advisers.
Why Canada
Canada combines a stable, rules-based economy with access to all of North America under CUSMA, to Europe under CETA and to Asia-Pacific under the CPTPP. Its businesses sell into some of the world’s largest markets from a single base.
Many Canadian owners built their companies in the 1980s and 1990s and are now planning their exit, which brings well-run firms to market for buyers from Canada, the US, Europe and Asia.
Buying? Our list of the top things to check before buying a ready business is a good first step.
Selling your Canadian business
For owners who want the right buyer, a defensible price and a tax-efficient exit.
Valuation you can defend
Normalised earnings and a market-tested price that holds through the buyer’s due diligence.
Exit and tax planning
We work with your accountant on timing and structure, including whether the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption applies to your shares.
Canadian and international buyers
Strategic buyers, private equity and investors from Canada, the US, Europe and Asia, screened before they see your name.
Confidential process
An anonymous profile first; full figures only under a signed NDA.
Buying a business in Canada
For entrepreneurs, investors and international companies looking for an established Canadian business.
Deal sourcing
Companies in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and the other provinces, including off-market opportunities.
Due diligence
Financial, tax, legal and employment checks, coordinated with Canadian lawyers and accountants.
Quebec and French
Businesses in Quebec operate under French-language rules; our advisors work in French and English.
Foreign buyers
We file the Investment Canada Act notification and check early whether a national security review could apply.
How a Canadian deal runs with GBCORP
Six stages, one point of contact. Most sales close in six to nine months.
01 · Valuation and preparation
We review the financial statements, normalise earnings and prepare the sale documents.
02 · Confidential approach
An anonymous teaser, then an information memorandum to screened buyers under NDA.
03 · Offers and letter of intent
We compare offers on price, structure and certainty, then agree heads of terms.
04 · Due diligence
The buyer’s advisers review finance, tax, contracts, staff and property through a data room.
05 · Purchase agreement
The share or asset purchase agreement is signed, with the closing conditions and any tax clearances agreed.
06 · Closing and handover
The share register is updated or the assets are transferred, filings are made, and staff and customers are introduced.
Canadian rules that shape the deal
The points that decide structure, timing and cost in a Canadian transaction.
- Investment Canada Act. A foreign buyer acquiring control of a Canadian business files a notification, usually within 30 days after closing; full review applies only to much larger deals, but national security review can apply to any size.
- Share transfer restrictions. Private companies’ articles usually require board approval for a share transfer, which is then recorded in the securities register.
- Non-resident sellers. A non-resident selling shares that derive their value mainly from Canadian real property needs a section 116 clearance certificate, or the buyer must withhold part of the price.
- Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. Owners selling shares of a qualifying small business corporation may shelter a large part of the gain from tax; your accountant confirms eligibility.
- GST/HST. A sale of business assets can be made without GST/HST when buyer and seller elect under the going-concern rules and meet the conditions.
- Employees. When a buyer keeps on the employees of the business it acquires, provincial employment standards generally treat their service as continuous.
Local partners, one point of contact
GBCORP runs each Canadian deal end to end with our local partner network: lawyers, chartered professional accountants and tax advisers. We work with owners and buyers in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton and across the provinces.
We speak your language. Our advisors work in English and French. We handle transactions up to USD 20 million; fees are agreed per mandate and quoted on request.
Questions about buying and selling in Canada
The questions we hear first, answered plainly.
How long does it take to sell a business in Canada?
Most company sales close in six to nine months from valuation. Finding the right buyer and due diligence take most of that time.
Can a foreigner buy a business in Canada?
Yes. Foreign buyers can own Canadian businesses outright. Acquiring control usually means filing an Investment Canada Act notification after closing, and businesses in sensitive sectors can face a national security review. A buyer who will run the business in Canada also needs the right immigration route.
Share purchase or asset purchase: which is better?
Sellers usually prefer a share sale, which can qualify for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. Buyers often prefer an asset purchase, which lets them choose what they take and claim depreciation on it. We model both with your advisers before you negotiate.
Is selling a business in Quebec different?
The process is similar, but Quebec uses civil law rather than common law, and French-language rules apply to business documents and customer-facing materials. Our advisors work in both French and English.
What size of business does GBCORP handle in Canada, and what does it cost?
We advise on transactions up to USD 20 million, from owner-run companies to established regional firms. Fees are agreed per mandate and quoted on request after a confidential first conversation.
Guides to buying or selling a business in Canada
The essentials every buyer and seller should read before a first conversation.
Nearby markets and deal flow
Cross-border buyers often compare neighbouring markets. Each one has its own local advisory page.
Talk to our team
Considering buying or selling a business in Canada? Reach out for a confidential first conversation.
