When it comes to buying a business, buyers buy a documented and believable future. If you are the seller, it is your job to explain the past and sell the future. While it is up to the seller to prove the value of the business, it is often not a good idea for the seller […]
In M&A, He Who Mentions Price First Loses Read More »
The inverse to why sellers sell a business is why buyers buy. Often a seller may only sell one business in a lifetime. However, buyers often buy several companies during their lifetime as they assemble pieces to help another business grow. Many buyers purchase a business to avoid the risk associated with start-ups and are
Why Buyers Buy a Business Read More »
I teach a boot camp class each month for our local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). There is portion of this course that looks at the three ways to become a business owner. These ways include: buying a business, buying a franchise, and starting from scratch. As I discuss the option of buying an existing
Why Owners Sell Their Business Read More »
When the seller makes the decision to sell his business, time is often his worst enemy. Many things outside of the seller’s control can often negatively effect the value of the business. For example, changes in the industry can make elements of the business obsolete. The interest rate hikes by lenders can make your business
Business Cycle Economics and Selling a Business Read More »
There are many reasons to conduct a business valuation. Some valuations are pretty straightforward while others can be quite complicated. If there is a good possibility that the valuation will be challenged on legal grounds or by the IRS, it is often best to have the valuation performed by a qualified appraiser. That said, I
5 Reasons for a Business Valuation Read More »
When it is time for an owner to sell his business, the wise seller will “recast” his financial reports to create a clearer and often better impression of his business for the buyer to see. If you are the buyer and the seller has not done a recasting of their financial statements, you’ll want to
Recasting Financial Reports When Selling Your Business Read More »
When it comes to buying a business, size does matter. Most lifestyle or micro businesses have under 1 million in annual sales. When it comes to lifestyle and micro businesses, the owner is also the top manager. For valuation purposes, a good rule of thumb for a marketable lifestyle or micro business is that the
How to Value an Existing Lifestyle or Micro Business Read More »
With many baby boomer entrepreneurs in their 60s, many are contemplating their exit strategy. While many will consider selling their business or passing it on to their children, there is another way. While this strategy does not receive much attention, it represents a viable way to pass along the business and cash out at the
Exit Strategy for Successful Employer Based Companies Read More »
