How long does it take to buy an existing business in Manitoba?

This answer covers the law of Manitoba.

There is no fixed timeline for buying an existing business in Manitoba, because the length depends on which stages your deal needs and who else must sign off. Many steps, such as due diligence, financing, landlord consent and licence transfers, depend on third parties, so their timing varies.

A sale in bulk, meaning inventory sold outside the ordinary course or tangible personal property used in the business and sold in connection with the seller ceasing to carry on that business or part of it, requires the seller to apply to the director (Taxation Division) for a bulk sale certificate; the application must include the sale agreement with a price breakdown by asset class. A seller company selling all or substantially all of its property also needs a shareholder special resolution. A share purchase is not a bulk sale.

Large or foreign deals can take longer. Competition Act notification generally needs a target over $93 million and parties over $400 million combined, in Canadian assets or revenues; closing waits 30 days after complete notification unless a No-Action Letter issues. For an Investment Canada Act net-benefit review, the Minister can extend the 45-day review period by 30 days, and filing at least 75 days before closing is recommended. Most small purchases fall well below these thresholds.