You are right. According to observers, nearly 50,000 businesses will have to change hands or be sold in Quebec over the next few years. This is a major issue that the SME industry is already facing as a large number of executives are retiring.

Two tools

To help you in your research, we invite you to first familiarize yourself with the Conseil de transfert d'entreprise du Québec (CTEQ), which has developed a digital platform for buyers (like you), sellers (managers who are selling their business) and experts. This is called L' Index . By registering for free, you will be able to consult the profile of businesses for sale based on the expected sale price, their field of activity and their geographic region. You will also be able to complete your profile as a buyer, based on your experience, the type of purchase and the field envisaged.

CTEQ advisors then contact registered individuals to facilitate the networking of business buyers and sellers, while ensuring confidentiality and neutrality. Registration also gives you access to a database of experts specializing in business transfers.

Secondly, we would like to draw your attention to the website Du rêve à la relève of the Chaire de développement et de relève de la PME. The group has created a multitude of tools (questionnaires, explanatory tables) for buyers and sellers in order to start thinking and trigger the process of transferring the business to a new generation of managers.

Good luck with your search and good luck with your acquisition project!