The problem you have in this current recession is quite simple
In Uk if you want to arrange finance to buy a business or a start up, it is very dificult
The business plan has to be very good and you will in most situations with UK banks have to put up good security
Eg...'good business plan 'and you are putting up 50% cash and want the bank to put up 50% with security, then you will get your finance on ' relative' good terms ..no security...big problems
In Spain for the Spanish I suggest that it will be very much the same
But if you are English and wanting the same terms from a Spanish Bank.then not easy....in the same way if a Spaniard was applying to a UK Bank [ very little English] for a business loan in UK .....no chance!!!
That is just the ' economic reality' of 2009
it may improve 2011 post...but that does mean.....buying a business from an Expat in Spain...with cash ...you are in a very strong position
The recent ITV show illustrates all the problems....there is ' just now' with some exceptions ' no value to English Bars in Spain
The only suggestion I have is to do a deal based on future revenue....there will be no [ maybe some] audited accounts to know the ' real' profit.....so it is a gamble...for both the seller and the buyer.........our cash turnover is 'x' % higher than the taxable....well !!!
Most UK bar owners would be happy to get out if you take over the lease !!!....turnover and profits are only ' real' if there is evidence to back it up
As always there are exceptions !
There are also' some people ' who will buy or take over ' a bar in Spain now , and because they know what they are doing will make a lot of income.............but converting that to a capital profit will perhaps take us to a the next boom....2016 post !!
Having said all this...if you know your business and are well financed...good luck...when the world comes out of recession...you may well make a lot of money