How do I transition my fleet shop’s service contracts to a new owner?

Gather every agreement, including old ones that still run on habit. For each, note the customer, what is covered, how pricing works, who can end it and what notice applies. Some contracts allow assignment to a buyer, some need written consent, and some are tied to you personally. Your lawyer can read each one and sort them into groups.

Plan the customer conversations before the sale is public. Decide who speaks to which fleet manager, and what you will say about continuity: same technicians, same schedule, same contact. Ask each customer what worries them about the change, such as the first breakdown, and tell them who to call and how fast the shop answers.

Agree with the buyer how open jobs and prepaid service are handled, and who honours repairs done before the sale. Write down any promises you made verbally. A buyer’s lender may want to see which contracts are secure, so keep the list current. Stay available for a while after closing to answer questions from customers. Keep a master list of renewal dates and a reminder for each, so no agreement lapses quietly in the weeks after the owner changes and the customer assumes someone else is watching.

Key takeaways

• Sort contracts by whether they transfer freely, need consent or are tied to you.
• Brief each fleet manager personally and say who they call after the change.
• Agree in writing who handles open jobs and earlier repairs.