Buying & Selling an Overseas Business
Buying or Selling an Overseas Business:
Maximise Value with the Right Currency Strategy
Whether you’re acquiring a company abroad or selling your business to an international buyer, foreign exchange strategy plays a pivotal role in protecting the value of your transaction. Exchange rate fluctuations can dramatically impact how much you pay — or how much you receive.
At St. George Foreign Exchange, we help buyers and sellers secure exchange rates, minimise risk, and navigate international currency markets with confidence.
Why Currency Strategy Matters in Cross-Border M&A
Buying or selling an overseas business is complex — and timing is everything. From the moment an offer is made to the final completion date, exchange rates can shift significantly. That means the value of your transaction in your local currency can vary by thousands — or even millions — depending on market conditions.
With tools like Forward Contracts and Market Orders, our FX experts can help lock in rates early, reduce exposure to market volatility, and give you peace of mind during negotiations.
What to Consider Before You Buy or Sell Abroad
💬 Language & Cultural Barriers
Navigating a cross-border deal often involves different languages, business cultures, and social customs. From contract discussions to client relationships post-acquisition, understanding your target market is key.
📜 Legal & Compliance Considerations
Each country has unique employment laws, tax rules, and regulatory frameworks. To avoid costly mistakes, work with local experts — and ensure your financial strategy includes FX risk management from day one.
⚠️ FX & Political Risk
Political instability, economic data releases, and shifting interest rates can all influence exchange rates. Even a small movement in currency can have a big impact on the total value of your transaction.
FX Tools for International Business Transactions
Spot Contract
Make immediate conversions at the current exchange rate. Best for transactions that need to settle quickly.
Forward Contract
Secure today’s rate for a future transfer (up to 12 months ahead). Ideal for locking in the cost of a deal before the market moves.
Market Order
Target a specific rate — and let the system execute your transaction automatically when the market hits your preferred level.
Real Example: Why FX Planning Matters
A UK-based buyer agrees to purchase a European business for €5 million. At the time of agreement, this equals £4.2 million.
Six months later — without an FX strategy in place — a weakening pound means the buyer now needs to pay £4.5 million to acquire the same business.
A Forward Contract could have locked in the original exchange rate, saving £300,000.
Why Work with St. George Foreign Exchange?
✅ Dedicated FX Specialists to guide you throughout the entire M&A process
✅ Secure, FCA-regulated platform for all transactions
✅ Tailored strategies for your timeline and deal value
✅ No hidden fees, no surprises
✅ Real-time rate alerts and market intelligence
Buying or Selling a Business Internationally?
Let’s Make It a Smart Move
Partner with St. George Foreign Exchange to protect your transaction, your budget, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re working to a tight timeline or navigating a long acquisition process, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
- Call us at +441273 661747
- Email us at info@sgfx.uk
Or simply fill out the form below, and one of our experts will be in touch within 2 business days.
Let’s take your global financial strategy to the next level.