Most business owners who have not been involved in a transaction before are likely unaware of the various exit strategy options that may be available. Professional business brokers and business appraisers are able to outline the possibilities for the business owner and the likely benefit of each option. Owner financing is an often used and … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Expand Exit Strategy Opportunities

It is not uncommon for the business owner pursuing a sale of the business to require additional financial analysis services from a business appraiser during the sale process. This financial analysis may involve updates to the original valuation based on changing circumstances after the initial report, analysis relative to potential synergies and the impact on … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Financial Analysis and Fairness Opinions

Many small business owners are individuals who have started or acquired a “lifestyle” business—a business that provides the owner with a job and enables the owner to maintain their desired lifestyle. Most of these business owners have considered or will consider an exit strategy from their enterprise. Consideration of an exit strategy may be prompted … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Part 1

Most owners of small businesses believe they know what the company is worth. As they may have worked to build the business, often from the ground up, they feel that their intuitive value conclusions accurately reflect the fair market value of the firm. In many cases, they are biased in their views towards the firm, … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Set Reasonable Expectations

In preparing the company for the sale, the owners must adopt the appropriate mindset that provides a level of commitment to the process that is conducive to a successful and optimal transaction. A great deal of time is needed to effectively market the business and negotiate a successful transaction. If the business owners are attempting … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Owners Stay Focused on Running the Business

 Once the owners of a business have made the commitment to pursue a sale or merger of their company, a great deal of time and attention must be expended on coordinating site visits with prospective buyers, due diligence, and finally, closing. The business broker will work with the owners’ other advisors so that they do … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Coordinate Site Visits, Due Diligence, and Closing

Many small businesses utilize leverage to invest in value-creating projects, fund operations during down years, etc. Often times, this leverage may exceed the credit available based on the business’s fixed assets alone. In some cases, the financial institution may be willing to lend against the company’s goodwill, which is identified in the process of a … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Independent Valuation for Financing & Negotiating

The key to successfully marketing and selling a small business is confidentiality. The owners of small business do not want customers, suppliers, and the competition to know that their business is available for acquisition. Unlike real estate brokers who hang a “For Sale” sign in front of the property, professional business brokers maintain a high … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Confidentiality

The process of selling a business is, in many cases, a life changing event for the owners. Many consider the business their “baby.” As such, there is a great deal of emotion involved in the process of selling a business. It is not unusual for the owners to become very emotionally charged in attempting to … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Emotional Aspects

Most small business owners are skilled at running their business but do not have the background that is conducive to successfully negotiating a transaction involving their business. Lacking negotiating skills may result in leaving money on the table in the transaction. As this is not an optimal outcome for the business owner, it is wise … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons Business Owners Need a Business Appraiser & a Business Intermediary: Maximize Transaction Price