Business Acquisition Finance
Helping You Buy a Business in Perth
Identify the right opportunities and negotiate with confidence when buying a business.
Perth business buyers have relied on Southshore Finance for over 30 years to find, assess, and fund the right business acquisition. As one of Perth’s most established commercial finance brokers, we work with buyers, business brokers, accountants, and lawyers across WA – and because we hold no allegiances to any broking firm and pay no referral commissions, our only obligation is to you.
As an MFAA-accredited finance broker with strong relationships across major banks and non-bank lenders, we’ll tell you honestly what finance is within reach – and what isn’t. There are very few types of businesses we haven’t funded, and that depth of experience is what we bring to every client conversation.
There are certain industries, such as pharmacy, childcare, automotive servicing, migrants, and supermarkets in which we have particular expertise.
It’s not just arranging finance – it is our investment in building successful clients.
Get in touch with Southshore Finance for a free, no-obligation consultation to look at business opportunities with you.
The Southshore Finance Business Buying Process
We have the depth of experience to evaluate the opportunity, source the right finance, and make the process smooth sailing. We will work closely with your accountant, lawyers, and settlement agent throughout the process, and raise any issues that we spot along the way.
Our goal is to make sure that you are looking at businesses that are within your reach.
Southshore Finance do not have any allegiances with particular business broking firms and do not pay referral commissions. Our only allegiance is to the client. Business brokers refer clients to us, even though they are well aware that we may recommend the client not to purchase the business. This is an indication that both the business broker and finance broker want to make sure that the client purchases the right business for the right reasons.
Southshore Finance can give you a good idea about what finance possibilities are available to you and what amount will be realistic given your circumstances. For an obligation free phone consultation, contact us today.
When To Contact Southshore Finance
The ideal time to contact Southshore Finance is as early in the process as possible – when buying a business is just an idea. The sooner you understand your financial position and how that fits in with purchasing a business, the better.
We have had clients that buy a business in a week and others that take several years. We don’t mind how long it takes you to find a business, as long as it is the right business for you.
Buying a Business in Perth – Common Questions
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced operator looking to expand, the questions below cover what Perth business buyers most commonly ask us before getting started.
How much deposit do I need to buy a business in Perth?
Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 30–50% of the purchase price for a business acquisition, depending on the industry, the proportion of goodwill, and the strength of the business’s trading history. Some industries – such as pharmacy and childcare – have specialist lenders who may apply different criteria. Understanding your current financial position is the best starting point, which is exactly what our initial consultation covers.
How do lenders assess goodwill when financing a business purchase?
Goodwill is the value attributed to a business beyond its tangible assets and it is one of the most variable factors in business acquisition lending. Lenders assess it differently depending on the industry, the defensibility of the revenue, and the track record of the business. Some lenders will finance a significant proportion of goodwill in certain sectors; others will cap it. This is an area where lender selection and broker experience makes an immediate, practical difference.
When should I contact a finance broker when buying a business?
As early as possible – ideally before you’ve identified a specific business. Understanding your borrowing capacity and what lenders will consider fundable shapes which businesses are realistically within reach. We’ve worked with Perth business buyers who complete a purchase within weeks, and others who take two or more years to find the right opportunity. There’s no pressure on our end – the goal is the right business, not the fastest transaction.
Can I get finance to buy a business if I'm a first-time buyer?
Like any, first-time buyers are assessed on their financial position, industry experience, and the strength of the business being purchased rather than prior ownership history. Lenders look for evidence that the buyer can operate the business successfully – relevant industry background, management experience, and a clear plan all support the application. Our Perth-based team works through this with you before anything is lodged.
Do you work with migrants buying a business in Perth?
Yes, business migration finance is an area of specific expertise for Southshore Finance. We work with visa applicants and new residents navigating both the business selection process and the financing requirements that come with it. The lending landscape for migrants can differ from standard acquisition finance, and our team has the experience to guide you through it.
Contact Southshore Finance
Simply fill out the below contact form and we will get back to you shortly.
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