Capittal's view: should I sell 100% of my company or just a stake?
You are not forced to choose between selling everything or nothing. A partial sale and bringing in a fund are real options; each for a different moment.
Author
Capittal Research
Equipo editorial M&A
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Equipo M&A Capittal
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Updated
02 August 2026
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Quick answer
Capittal's view is that selling 100% makes sense if you want to exit, retire or remove all risk; selling only a stake —bringing in a financial partner— makes sense if you want liquidity now but believe the company will be worth more in 4 to 6 years and you want to keep leading it.
What does selling only a stake mean?
It means selling a shareholding, majority or minority, to a private equity fund or family office: you cash in today for that portion and keep the rest. The financial partner aims to grow the company and sell it again in a few years, at which point your remaining stake appreciates. That second sale is what is known as a roll-over.
When does selling 100% make sense?
- You are retiring with no successor in the family or the team.
- You no longer want to carry the business risk.
- The sector is at a cycle peak and valuations are high.
- Disagreements between shareholders are blocking the future.
When does selling only a stake make sense?
- You believe the company is worth more later and want to capture that upside.
- You need capital to grow or to buy competitors (buy-and-build).
- You want to diversify your wealth without giving up control.
- You want a partner who brings management and contacts, not just money.
Selling everything vs selling a stake
| Dimension | Sell 100% | Sell a stake |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate liquidity | Full | Partial |
| Risk you retain | None | That of your stake |
| Control | You lose it | Depends on majority or minority |
| Second sale (appreciation) | No | Yes |
| Typical buyer | Strategic or PE | Private equity / family office |
Majority or minority?
Selling the majority with a roll-over gives you strong liquidity today and a future second sale; selling a minority gives you capital while keeping control, but the fund will ask for governance rights and an agreed exit route. The structure matters as much as the percentage.
Capittal recommends
Before deciding the percentage, define what you want: liquidity, control or growth. The answer changes the type of buyer, the valuation and the contract. At Capittal we prepare both alternatives in parallel so you compare real figures, not hunches.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions on this topic.
Can I sell part of my company and keep running it?+
Yes. With a minority financial partner you keep management; with a majority one, your continuity and degree of control are negotiated.
What is a seller roll-over?+
Reinvesting part of the price into the new structure to cash in a second time when the fund resells the company.
Is a stake worth less per share than selling everything?+
A minority is usually valued at a discount and a controlling majority may carry a premium. It depends on governance and agreed liquidity.
Who do I sell a stake to?+
Usually private equity funds or family offices; rarely a strategic buyer, who normally wants 100%.
