Finance to Acquire a Business
Purpose-built finance for buying an established business or franchise territory — structured around your deal, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Acquisitions
Purpose
Skin in the game
Capital contribution
Goodwill + assets
Mixed-purpose
24–48 hrs
Typical assessment
Finance built for business acquisitions
Buying a business is different from buying equipment. There's goodwill, trading history, and the challenge of taking over a going concern — so the finance needs to reflect that.
This finance is designed for people buying an established business or franchise territory. We look at the strength of the business, your experience, and how the deal is structured — then put together a finance package that fits.
What can you finance?
We support acquisition and expansion scenarios where you're purchasing or entering an established business.
Buy an established business
Finance the purchase of a business with a proven track record and existing customers.
Take over a franchise territory
Buy into an existing franchise with established revenue and a customer base already in place.
Grow through acquisition
Expand what you already have by purchasing a complementary business or an additional territory.
Buying a business?
Our guide covers what to expect when purchasing an established business.
What strengthens your application
Every acquisition is different, but these are the things that help us say yes faster — and the things that can make it harder.
The business has a strong trading history
Financials are incomplete or unreliable
You have relevant industry experience
No experience in the industry
You're investing some of your own capital
Little or no personal capital invested
The purchase includes tangible assets
Purchase is almost entirely goodwill
Clean personal credit history
Defaults or poor credit history
You own property (as additional security)
No property to support the application
Every deal is different — these are indicators, not hard rules. Talk to us about your specific situation.
Getting ready to apply
Gather your documents
Pull together the financials for the business you're buying, details of your experience, a breakdown of the purchase price, and evidence of your capital contribution.
Apply online
Submit your application through our online form. We'll need your personal bank statements to get started — and your own business financials if you're already trading.
Get your answer
We review the deal and come back to you — usually within 24–48 hours. If we need anything else, we'll let you know. Once approved, we walk you through the next steps.
What you'll need
Financials for the business you're buying (profit & loss, balance sheet, BAS)
Sale documents — contract of sale, business profile, or listing details
Your relevant industry or management experience
Breakdown of the purchase price — goodwill, assets, and stock
A tangible capital contribution from your own funds
Your recent personal bank statements
Don't have all of this yet? That's OK — talk to us and we'll help you work out what you need.
Why choose CFI for acquisitions?
We understand acquisitions
Buying a business involves goodwill, trading history, and transition — not just assets. We look at the full picture, not just the numbers on a page.
You deal with the decision-makers
We fund the deal ourselves — no waiting on a third party. You talk directly to the people making the decision, and you get your answer faster.
Every deal is assessed on its merits
We don't use a one-size-fits-all checklist. We look at the business, your experience, and how the deal is structured — then work out what we can do.
Common questions
What types of business purchases does this cover?
This finance is for buying established businesses, taking over franchise territories, or expanding by acquiring another operation. It's designed for deals where the business you're buying has a solid track record.
How much do I need to put in myself?
We expect you to invest some of your own capital into the deal — it shows commitment and strengthens your application. The amount depends on the business and the deal structure. Talk to us about your situation and we can give you a clearer picture.
What documents will I need?
We'll need the financials for the business you're buying — profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and BAS lodgements. Any sale documents you have (contract of sale, business profile) are helpful too.
How quickly can I get a decision?
Most applications are assessed within 24–48 hours. Buying a business involves more paperwork than a standard loan, but we move quickly once we have what we need.
Does the business need to be profitable?
We look for strong, stable revenue and profitability. A consistent trading history gives us confidence — and it protects you as the buyer too.
Can I finance goodwill?
Yes — this finance is designed for exactly this. Most business purchases include a mix of goodwill and tangible assets, and we take both into account when assessing your application.
More questions? See our full FAQ or get in touch.
Ready to make your move?
Talk to a CFI Finance Specialist about your business acquisition.