Quick answer
Acquisition finance can support an eligible business purchase, but lenders assess the target, purchaser, price, structure, security, due diligence and post-settlement cash flow together.
Practical finance guide
Finance the transaction that survives due diligence
A signed sale price records the agreement between buyer and seller. The finance application separately establishes value and serviceability through maintainable earnings, working capital, assets, liabilities and the buyer's contribution, including liquidity for the first operating cycle after settlement.
Maintainable earnings drive capacity
One-off expenses, owner add-backs and unusual revenue require clear supporting evidence.
Working capital can be overlooked
The purchase price may exclude cash needed for stock, wages, deposits and the first operating cycle.
Asset and share sales carry different risks
Legal, tax and liability consequences require professional advice and affect lender structure.
Vendor support can change the deal
Vendor finance, earn-outs or transition assistance should be documented and assessed with senior debt.
Questions worth resolving before an application
- Obtain historical and current financial statements.
- Reconcile price to assets and maintainable earnings.
- Budget post-settlement working capital.
- Use legal and accounting advisers for due diligence.
Product detail
Product details, evidence and practical finance pathways
Lenders assess business acquisition finance through the funding purpose, requested structure, trading performance, cash conversion cycle, current commitments and the evidence available today. X Lend organises these facts into a lender-ready proposal and compares suitable panel options.
Common funding purposes
asset purchase, business purchase, goodwill, stock, working capital, vendor payout, transition costs.
Facility and structure terms
senior debt, vendor finance, buyer contribution, earn-out, asset security, property security.
Evidence used in assessment
sale agreement, historical financials, management accounts, due diligence, valuation, buyer resume, working-capital forecast.
Cash-flow structure for business acquisition finance
The finance structure should reconcile purchase price, maintainable earnings, assets, liabilities, buyer contribution and the cash required after settlement.
A weekly cash-flow forecast can show wages, supplier payments, tax obligations, milestone receipts and the proposed finance repayment on the same timeline.
Contracts, progress claims and alternative documents
Head contractor agreements, signed customer contracts, purchase orders, aged receivables and milestone payment calendars can provide context for revenue timing and concentration.
Bank statements, BAS, management accounts and accountant-prepared information may support an application where completed annual financial statements do not yet show the current trading position.
Broker strategy
How we overcome common scenarios
Each scenario starts with the customer's goal, the available evidence and the lender policies that fit the complete application.
Scenario 1
Buyer has industry experience
Situation
The purchaser understands the sector and is acquiring their first business.
How X Lend approaches it
We present the buyer's experience, contribution and operating plan with the target's verified earnings.
Useful evidence
Buyer resume, sale memorandum, financials, bank statements and forecast.
Scenario 2
Vendor finance forms part of the price
Situation
The seller will leave part of the consideration in the transaction.
How X Lend approaches it
We document ranking, repayment timing and interaction with senior debt before approaching lenders.
Useful evidence
Vendor-finance agreement, sale contract and sources-and-uses schedule.
Scenario 3
Working capital required after settlement
Situation
The purchase price excludes stock, wages and the first operating cycle.
How X Lend approaches it
We prepare a complete sources-and-uses statement and include the verified post-settlement liquidity need.
Useful evidence
Stock schedule, wage budget, supplier terms and cash-flow forecast.
Before you apply
Eligibility and documents
A complete application helps a lender assess the deal efficiently. Exact requirements vary, but most applications begin with the same core information.
What lenders assess
- Income, employment or business trading history
- Living expenses and existing credit commitments
- Credit history and recent applications
- The asset, purchase or purpose being financed
- Deposit, trade-in and requested loan term
What to have ready
- Driver licence or other identity documents
- Recent payslips or acceptable income evidence
- Bank statements when requested
- Invoice, listing or purchase details
- Business financial information for relevant applicants
Rates and repayments
Estimate the repayment, then compare the full cost
Use the calculator as a guide. Eligibility, fees and the rate offered depend on the lender, purpose and applicant.
Business Acquisition Finance repayment calculator
Your estimated repayments
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per month
Total interest
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Total repayable
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This calculator provides an estimate using the entered rate, term and balloon. Lender assessment, fees and repayment timing determine the final figures.
Interest rate
The percentage charged on the outstanding balance. Fixed and variable options may be available.
Comparison rate
A standardised figure that includes the interest rate and most known fees for a set example loan.
Fees and conditions
Check establishment, monthly and early payout fees, plus any balloon or residual amount.
The four step approval process
- Step 01
Enquire
Send us a few details to start. We can usually explain the available pathway within a few hours.
- Step 02
We Find Your Lender
We compare your deal across 80+ lenders and match it to the ones most likely to approve it at the sharpest rate.
- Step 03
Lender Approval
We package and submit your application, negotiate the terms, and come back to you with a clear approval.
- Step 04
Settlement
We handle the paperwork, get your documents signed, and your loan settles, funds released to you or the seller.
Available structures
Choose a structure that fits the purchase
The same finance goal can produce different outcomes depending on the lender, term and structure.
Structured around the deal
We combine business-loan, asset and property facilities around the acquisition structure.
80+ lenders, one application
We compare banks and specialist lenders in one go to find appetite for your specific deal.
Lenders who get acquisitions
Goodwill, earn outs and vendor terms are normal to us, we present your deal to lenders comfortable with them.
Move at deal speed
Acquisitions run to a timetable; we keep the finance moving so you don't lose the opportunity.
Use the target's cashflow
Well structured deals can be serviced largely by the business you're buying.
Clear, upfront guidance
We tell you what's fundable before you commit, so you negotiate from a position of strength.
The basics
Fund the deal that grows your business overnight.
Compare business acquisition finance across 80+ lenders for eligible business, competitor, franchise or client-book purchases.
Buying an existing business, a competitor, a franchise or a book of clients can do in one move what years of organic growth can't. But these deals rarely fit a standard loan. X Lend is a finance broker: we take one application and compare it across 80+ banks and nonbank lenders to structure finance around the acquisition and its cashflow.
Whether you're a first time buyer, an established operator bolting on a competitor, or a professional firm acquiring a client book, we match the deal to lenders who understand it. That can mean blending business loans, asset finance and property security to get the structure, and the price, right.
Acquisitions are time sensitive and detail heavy, so we move quickly, keep the moving parts clear, and only lodge once the numbers stack up. We tell you upfront what's realistic so you can negotiate the purchase with confidence.
Important to know.
The business you're buying can help pay for itself: well structured acquisitions are often serviced largely by the target's own earnings, and strong, profitable targets can sometimes be funded without property security.
Before you decide
The benefit of moving now and the cost of waiting
A useful comparison considers both what the finance may make possible and what leaving the underlying need unresolved may continue to cost.
Pros
- Provide funding for suitable operating costs, growth opportunities or timing gaps.
- Keep more working capital available for wages, suppliers, tax and day to day expenses.
- Match the facility structure to the business purpose and expected cashflow cycle.
Cons
- Suitable projects or growth opportunities may be missed when funds are not available at the required time.
- Supplier, payroll or tax pressure can increase while customer receipts remain delayed.
- Using the business cash reserve can leave less capacity to absorb an unexpected expense or slow month.
Purchases and purposes
What you can fund.
If you're buying your way to growth, we can usually structure it. Common deals include:
Buying an existing business outright
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Acquiring a competitor or bolt on
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Management buy ins and buy outs
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Purchasing a franchise or new territory
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Buying a book of clients or contracts
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Partner and shareholder buy outs
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Acquiring premises alongside the business
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Funding earn outs and vendor terms
Compare suitable lender options, rates, fees and conditions for this purpose.
Broker insight
The business you're buying can help pay for itself: well structured acquisitions are often serviced largely by the target's own earnings, and strong, profitable targets can sometimes be funded without property security.
Corey Marino
Founder & Finance Broker, FBAA member M-354085 · Diploma-qualified finance broker
Real people. Real results.
5.0“I was trying to get a loan for my dream car but was struggling getting approved with my bank but Corey was extremely helpful throughout the entire loan process. He followed up with multiple lenders, secured me a much better interest rate than my initial CommBank offer, and stayed persistent on my behalf. He kept me updated every step of the way, and I genuinely don’t think I would have been approved without his support. The customer service was very professional and friendly. Highly recommend to everyone”
“Corey helped me through the entire process of getting my dream family car! He was extremely prompt with his responses and had everything organised quickly and smoothly. I made a huge mistake by settling finance on the wrong car (a 5‑seater instead of a 7‑seater), but Corey was incredibly understanding and supportive. He contacted the dealership, lender, and even rearranged my insurance for me. He did all of this without ever making me feel like a hassle, even though I knew I was being a pain! Despite the setback, Corey stayed fast and efficient, kept me confident throughout the process, and managed to get everything cancelled and re‑approved for a higher amount so I could get my actual dream car. I highly recommend Corey. He speaks to you like a friend and genuinely has your best interests at heart. I already had quotes from Toyota Finance and Toyota Insurance, and Corey was able to get both significantly cheaper. Toyota Finance even reviewed Corey’s figures and confirmed they couldn’t beat them. I will never look to another finance company again.”
“My first experience with a broker, Corey made the whole process so smooth and simple and stress free. Communication was outstanding, he explained everything so I could understand what was happening as it was happening and kept me in the loop for the whole process, he was so kind and friendly and happy to answer any questions I had. He went above and beyond what I expected and has helped me greatly with his expertise. It was a fast process from start to finish and will definitely be using X lend for any future financial matters! Thanks Corey!”
“I can’t recommend Corey from X Lend highly enough. From the very first conversation, he was professional, transparent, and genuinely focused on finding the best outcome for me. Corey took the time to explain every step of the finance process in a way that was easy to understand, answered all my questions promptly, and never once made me feel rushed or pressured. I really appreciated how proactive he was, keeping me updated, following up with lenders, and making sure everything stayed on track. What really stood out was how hard he worked to secure a great deal. He compared multiple lenders, negotiated on my behalf, and ultimately achieved a rate and repayment structure that exceeded my expectations. The whole process of purchasing my car was smooth and stress‑free thanks to their expertise. If you’re looking for someone knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely in your corner, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. I’ll definitely be using their services again in the future :)”
“Super helpful, friendly and fast. Secured a bank loan beyond expectations and did all the tricky leg work. Definitely be using their services again. Corey was a legend!”
Questions Answered
Business Acquisition Finance frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions before you compare finance or start an application.
We're a finance broker: we compare 80+ banks and nonbank lenders and structure your acquisition finance with the best fit.
Sometimes. Strong, profitable targets can be funded partly on their own cashflow and goodwill, though property security usually unlocks a better rate. We'll show you the tradeoffs.
Yes, that's often the point. A well structured acquisition is serviced largely by the earnings of the target. We model this with you and present it to the right lenders.
It varies by deal, lender and security, but expect to contribute some equity. We'll tell you a realistic figure early so you can plan the purchase.
More involved than a simple loan, but we move fast and keep it organised. Timeframes depend on due diligence and security, and we manage the lender end so you can focus on the deal.
Common examples include asset purchase, business purchase, goodwill, stock, working capital, vendor payout. The exact lender pathway depends on the applicant, purpose, asset and documents.
Useful evidence can include sale agreement, historical financials, management accounts, due diligence, valuation, buyer resume. X Lend confirms the documents required for the selected lender pathway before submission.
We define the funding goal, organise the available evidence, identify the policy issues and compare lenders whose criteria fit the complete application. The customer reviews the proposed pathway before a lender submission.
More about this finance option
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Reviewed by Corey MarinoFounder & Finance Broker, FBAA member M-354085 · Diploma-qualified finance broker
Important information
X Lend acts as a finance broker. Product availability, rates and approval depend on lender criteria and your circumstances. Consider the full terms before proceeding.