Checking a going business in Spain before you buy: buy, negotiate or walk away
A traspaso audit is an independent check of a going business in Spain before you pay a deposit: real revenue and profit from the documents, debts, lease terms, licences and staff. The result is a “buy / negotiate / walk away” decision, a justified price range and a risk matrix. Four packages to match the size of the deal; an express report in 1–2 days.
on the buyer’s sideindependent of the seller and agent
15–30 minutes: your target business, deal timing and the right package. Price and timing follow a look at the materials.
What a traspaso is and why you should not buy one blind
A traspaso is the transfer of a going business together with the premises lease, equipment and usually the staff. It is how bars, cafés, restaurants, salons and shops change hands in Spain. You are buying a cash flow, not the walls — and that is exactly what a seller has most reason to embellish.
Employees transfer to the new owner with their rights and liabilities, and the lease may contain terms that only surface after the deal. So what needs checking is the documents, not the seller’s or agent’s presentation.
Six risks that most often surface after the purchase
Hidden debts to suppliers, the tax authority or banks that are not reflected in the contract.
Inflated revenue and understated costs — “profit on paper” with no documentary support.
A lease with a catch: a sharp rent increase or a short term with no renewal guarantee.
Licences: fines, risk of revocation, or no way to transfer them to the new owner.
Dependence on one or two key employees or customers who leave with the previous owner.
Overvalued equipment and other assets.
What you get
A “buy / negotiate / walk away” decision backed by facts.
A fair price range based on real profitability and payback.
A risk matrix — financial, contractual, operational, staffing — with mitigation measures.
Questions for the seller and recommendations on deal terms: holdbacks, warranty clauses, payment structure.
In the higher packages, an action plan for the deal period and after the purchase.
Who does the check
Vladislav Panchenko
Founder and CEO of Finetic Consulting
Over 30 years of executive experience in corporate finance and operations at major corporations and banks with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion: financial management, strategic planning, risk management and corporate restructuring.
Each package includes everything in the previous one. We quote the price after the introductory call and a look at the business.
Timing by type of business
Business
Timing
Bar, café
7–10 days
Restaurant
14–21 days
Beauty salon
5–10 days
Retail shop
5–7 days
Timing depends on the size of the business, its structure and the chosen package.
How it works
Introductory call, 15–30 minutes: the business, deal timing, choice of package.
You send the materials or complete the checklist; we fix the scope, timing and price.
Agreement and payment; work starts.
Analysis of documents and figures; in the higher packages, requests to the seller and counterparties.
Report and walkthrough of the findings, then support within the package.
What the audit does not do
It does not replace a legal opinion on the lease, licences or employment: we provide the financial and commercial logic, while your abogado or gestor handles the legal review and signing — and we work alongside them.
It is not a tax opinion.
It does not guarantee the business’s future profit: the decision to buy remains yours — our job is to make sure you take it on facts.
15–30 minutes: your target business, deal timing and the right package. Price and timing follow a look at the materials.
A traspaso is the transfer of a going business in Spain together with the premises lease, equipment and usually the staff. The buyer pays for an existing cash flow, so the key is to check that this cash flow is real and that no hidden debts come with the business.
How much does a traspaso audit cost?
The price depends on the size and structure of the business and the chosen package — from an express screening based on a checklist to full deal support. We quote the exact price and timing after the introductory call and a look at the materials.
How long does the check take?
An express report under package A is ready in 1–2 days. Checking a bar or café usually takes 7–10 days; a restaurant, 14–21 days.
What if the seller will not provide documents?
That is already a risk signal. An express screening can be done from the checklist, and a refusal to show accounts, bank statements or the lease is reflected in our findings: without documents a business cannot be assessed on facts.
Do I still need a lawyer if I have the audit?
Yes. The audit answers questions about money and risk: what the business really earns, what it is worth and what to build into the deal terms. The legal review of contracts and the signing are handled by an abogado or gestor; we work alongside them.
Can the check be done remotely?
Yes. Documents and correspondence are handled online and findings are discussed by video call; for an express screening the checklist and basic files are enough.
Buying a business and moving to Spain? Residence permits, registration and resident taxes are handled by our partner Relotus — relotus-relocation.com.
