<prompt> Human: Ive been approached by a firm who want to sell my business in the next 6 months-1 year. The firm values my company at between 1.5-2M. I am in my early 50s, have no pension or investments other than a property that brings in 7k a year in rent. What do i have to look out for, if i was handed a cheque for 1.5m what would be the best way to invest it?  <response>: I am not personally a big fan of the cold-calling brokers which promise to sell your company. They are salesmen with their own interest coming first and foremost. The first thing to do is some independent research about selling your company. Then approach several independent brokers of your own choosing. Get as accurate numbers as possible; find out what their cut is and work out what youll be left with after taxes. Eventually youll need to get a lawyer on board to look over the paperwork for you - find your own and get one that specialises in this sort of thing. Dont be afraid to take your time; with so much at stake now is not the time to get greedy and make mistakes. 