A business owner should plan on about a year to sell their business. The actual time it takes varies from business to business.
We often see the right buyers come along about three months after the listing is launched. After a month or so of working with that potential buyer, a qualified buyer usually begins the formal offer process. Closing can be scheduled anywhere from a few weeks to about two months after the offer is accepted, depending on the amount of time a buyer requests for their due diligence process. Cash deals close quicker than those requiring bank financing.
Each phase of the listing, sale, and closing of a business has its own process. Your broker will be able to coach you each step of the way so that your process is efficient and productive.