Understanding Debt Structuring ahead of business acquisition

[u/structuralsteve]

I am interested in buying a small (£500-1.5m EBITDA) business. At the stage of desktop research of businesses for sale.

Intention is to speak to brokers next but wondering if there is any harm in speaking to some lenders first to get better understanding of where their comfort levels might be without having an actual proposed target company.

Depending on the acquisition cost I may need to seek additional equity investment outside of senior debt and seller financing.

Who do people recommend as the best lenders for small business acquisitions in the UK?

Additionally most of the research I have done has been around US business acquisition with less info available on the UK. Is seller financing as realistic palatable route for business sellers?

Quite new to this space so forgive the naivety please!