What is the required capital investment? What is the annual net increase in sales? What is in inventory? What is the debt? What is the prospect of the owner staying on? What makes this company different/special/unique? What further defines the…
Once the decision to sell has been made, the business owner should be aware of the variety of possible business buyers. Just as small businesses themselves have become more sophisticated, the people interested in buying them have also become more…
41% joined the family business 36% wanted more control over their future 27% were tired of working for someone else 5% were downsized or laid off *Source: Dun & Bradstreet 19th Annual Small Business Survey May 2000. Totals add up…
Statistics reveal that out of about 15 would-be business buyers, only one will actually buy a business. It is important that potential sellers are knowledgeable on what buyers go through to actually become business owners. This is especially true for…
Surveys have shown that a seller who asks for all cash, receives on average only 70 percent of his or her asking price, while sellers who accept terms receive on average 86 percent of their asking price. That’s a difference of 16…
When a buyer is sufficiently interested in your business, he or she will submit an offer in writing. This offer or proposal may have one or more contingencies. Usually, the contingencies concern a detailed review of your financial records and…
A buyer will want up-to-date financial information. If you use accountants, you can work with them on making current information available. If you are using an lawyer, make sure they are familiar with the business closing process and the laws…
Business brokers are the professionals who will facilitate the successful sale of your business. It is important that you understand just what a professional business broker can do — as well as what they can’t. They can help you decide…
It may be advisable to have a lawyer review the legal documents. It is important, however, that the lawyer you hire is familiar with the business buying process and has the time available to handle the paperwork on a timely…
A professional business broker can be helpful in many ways. They can provide you with a selection of different and, in many cases, unique businesses, including many that you would not be able to find on your own. Approximately 90…
When you find a business, the business broker will be able to answer many of your questions immediately or will research them for you. Once you get your preliminary questions answered, the typical next step is for the broker to…
Obviously, you want to consider only those businesses that you would feel comfortable owning and operating. “Pride of Ownership” is an important ingredient for success. You also want to consider only those businesses that you can afford with the finance…