What is the difference between the Enhanced & Standard Buyer Services?

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Standard vs Enhanced Buyer Services for Law Firm & Accountancy Practice Acquisitions

At Jonathan Fagan Business Brokers, we assist solicitors, accountants and investors with the purchase of law firms and accountancy practices across the UK. Depending on your level of experience, we offer two different services for buyers:

  • Standard Buyer Service
  • Enhanced Buyer Service

Both options are designed to provide professional, confidential support — but they differ significantly in terms of the advice, resources and personal attention you will receive.

What Is the Standard Buyer Service?

The Standard Buyer Service is best suited to those who already understand the process of acquiring a professional services practice. Typically, this includes:

  • Solicitors purchasing a solicitor firm.
  • Accountants purchasing an accountancy practice.

If you fall into one of these categories, the Standard Service will usually provide everything you need. We assist with the process, provide advice when requested, and can help with negotiations on individual deals.

What the Standard Buyer Service does not include is the complex advice needed if you are not a solicitor or accountant entering one of these regulated sectors. Regulatory requirements, compliance frameworks and sector-specific infrastructure are not covered under the basic package.

Other features of the Standard Service include:

  • Acting on a contingency basis — if you express interest in one of our advertised firms, we approach the seller with your details and request permission to release their identity to you.
  • Limited buyer profiling — we provide sellers with publicly available details and a short explanation of your requirements.
  • Access only to firms already advertised for sale on our website.

The Standard Service is streamlined, cost-effective, and designed for experienced professional buyers.

What Is the Enhanced Buyer Service?

The Enhanced Buyer Service is designed for:

  • Non-solicitors seeking to acquire a solicitor firm.
  • Non-accountants seeking to acquire an accountancy practice.
  • Buyers requiring additional guidance, resources and targeted acquisition support.
  • Buyers looking for an advantage in a very competitive market, particularly for accountancy practices, which can sell in a matter of days. All enhanced buyers get exclusive early access to new businesses for sale.

This service goes far beyond the standard package, giving you a greater chance of completing a successful deal.

Key features of the Enhanced Buyer Service include:

1. Full Initial Advice Session

We begin with a comprehensive consultation covering regulatory requirements, acquisition steps, and practical considerations. This advice is included in your subscription (normally £350 per hour as a standalone service).

2. Access to Online Resources

Enhanced Buyers receive access to our database of:

  • Templates (Heads of Terms, Share Purchase Agreements, Options to Purchase).
  • Guidance notes on compliance and regulatory issues.
  • Articles on the acquisition process.

These resources can be invaluable for buyers unfamiliar with the sector.

3. Buyer Profiling & Identity Checks

We spend time getting to know you and your acquisition goals. This means:

  • Sellers receive a detailed profile of you as a buyer.
  • We conduct identity and background checks to reassure sellers of your credibility.
  • Sellers are therefore far more likely to provide early disclosure of confidential information.

4. Targeted Approaches to Non-Advertised Firms

Enhanced Buyers benefit from proactive support. If a desired practice is no longer available, we can approach other similar firms on your behalf. While success is not guaranteed, this service provides opportunities outside the open market.

5. Priority Support & Marketing

  • Enhanced Buyers skip the queue — you receive personal attention, priority advice, and greater marketing exposure.
  • Unlike Standard Buyers, Enhanced Buyers may be promoted to sellers directly through our marketing channels.
  • Featured listing in our buyer database.

6. Subscription Model

The Enhanced Buyer Service runs on an annual 12 month subscription basis, automatically renewable but cancellable before renewal.

Why Choose the Enhanced Buyer Service?

Sellers are cautious about disclosing sensitive information. If you are not a qualified solicitor or accountant, you may struggle to gain traction as a buyer. The Enhanced Service overcomes these barriers by:

  • Giving sellers confidence in your credibility.
  • Ensuring you understand the regulatory framework before entering negotiations.
  • Providing you with resources and personal guidance that Standard Buyers do not receive.

Ultimately, Enhanced Buyers have a significantly greater chance of completing a transaction compared to Standard Buyers.

Summary of Key Differences

FeatureStandard Buyer ServiceEnhanced Buyer Service
Best forExperienced buyers – qualified solicitors or accountants buying in their own sectorNon-solicitors / non-accountants, or buyers needing additional support
Initial adviceAvailable for £350 per hour. Email communication during the purchasing processFull consultation included and telephone support at all times
Templates & resourcesNot includedFull access to templates, articles and compliance guidance
Buyer profilingBasic (public info only)Detailed profiling + ID/background checks
Seller disclosureLimited if not regulatedHigher likelihood due to credibility checks and further information provided to sellers
Access to firmsOnly those advertised for saleAdvertised + targeted approaches to other firms
PriorityStandard queuePriority service, personal attention
PricingNo charge, advice available at £350 per hour.Annual subscription

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss whether the Standard Buyer Service or the Enhanced Buyer Service is right for you, please contact us by email or phone.

📩 Contact us today to begin your acquisition journey.

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General FAQ's

What does a business broker do? Why is there a surge in buyers looking to acquire law firms in September and October each year? Why are there so few accountancy firms for sale on your website? Do you provide accountancy practice valuations? Are business brokers regulated? What underhand tactics do business brokers use? How secure is our data? Do you offer due diligence services?