According to the experts, a business owner should lay the groundwork for selling at about the same time as he or she first opens the door for business. Great advice, but it rarely happens. Most sales of businesses are event-driven; i.e., an event or circumstance such as partnership problems, divorce, health, or just plain burn-out […]
Selling Your Business? Expect the Unexpected! Read More »
A recent survey revealed that the average time between listing and sale was 9 months. Why does it take so long to sell a business? Price and terms are the biggest reasons. Not over-pricing the business at the beginning of the sales process is a big plus, as well as structuring the transaction to include a
Selling a Business: How Long Does It Take? Read More »
Owners are often asked, “do you think you will ever sell your business?” The answer varies from, “when I can get my price” to “never” to “I don’t really know” to everything in between. Most sellers may think to themselves when asked this question, “I’ll sell when the time is right.” Obviously, misfortune can force
The Pre-Sale Business Tune-Up Read More »
There is the oft-told story about Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds. Before he approached the McDonald brothers at their California hamburger restaurant, he spent quite a few days sitting in his car watching the business. Only when he was convinced that the business and the concept worked, did he make an offer that the brothers
Buying or Selling a Business: The External View Read More »
Burnout is an often-used reason for an owner selling his or her business. Potential buyers may have trouble accepting this as a valid reason for sale. However, burnout is a valid reason for selling one’s business. A business owner can experience burnout even with a business that’s successful and growing. Many independent business owners feel
Burnout: An Ever-Present Threat Read More »
Three years of profit and loss statements Federal taxes for the same three years Current list of fixtures and equipment The lease and related documents Franchise agreement (if applicable) List of encumbrances, loans, equipment leases, etc. Approximate amount of inventory on hand Names of outside advisors with contact information Marketing materials, catalogs, promotional pieces, etc.
Key Items Necessary for Selling a Business Read More »
Most business owners think that their business is unique. There are obviously many different attributes that can make a business stand out from others. However, there are some key factors that make a business both unique and, at the same time, make it more valuable in the marketplace and more desirable by prospective purchasers. Just
What Makes a Business Unique Read More »
There are three good questions to consider before selling your business. First, “Do you really want to sell this business?” If you’re really serious about selling and have a solid reason (or reasons) why you want to sell, it will most likely happen. Second, “Do you have reasonable expectations?” You increase your chances of selling
When the owner of a business makes the decision to sell, he or she is taking a giant step that involves the emotions as well as the marketplace, each with its own set of complexities. Those sellers who are tempted to undertake the transaction on their own should understand both the process and the emotional
Selling Your Business? Do-It-Yourself is Risky Business! Read More »
In addition to using a business broker, there are specific steps you can take to increase the chance of a successful closing. Know why you want to sell your business. Before placing your business for sale, it is important that you both know why you want to sell your business and that you are certain
What Sellers Can Do Read More »