Selling A Business Is All About The Process
Most business owners, have thought about selling their business a time or two. They’ve imagined, dreamed, and wondered what it would be like to be free of all the trappings, headaches, and burdens of running their company. They probably also wonder how cumbersome the sale process might be and what it entails.
While we can’t tell what their imagination dreams up at the thought of freedom, we can tell them that selling a business requires a substantial commitment and should be a calculated decision. As with most endeavors, whatever effort is put into the process is what will come out of it.
A fundamental element to a successful sale is preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the motives of the most probable buyer, anticipating their questions, and vetting potential problem areas of the business that might inhibit or delay an eventual sale are key to a positive selling experience. Once business owners feel comfortable with these basics they just might stop wondering and take the leap necessary to begin living that dream.
The selling process has three distinct phases and should always be performed within the confines of Confidentiality. The anonymity of a business on the market is critical during the sale process and is important in protecting it’s interests.
PHASE 1 – Message
Before this phase begins, a valuation of the business would already have been performed. Knowing the value of the business helps determine the most probable buyer, whether it be an individual, a strategic buyer, or a financial buyer. During this initial phase the business profile is compiled. It encompasses the detailed analysis and assessment of the business for the purpose of packaging and communicating its value, its market, its assets, its strengths, its areas that can be improved, its growth potential, and its financial history. The resulting profile is the Message that will introduce the business to the marketplace of appropriate buyers using a systematic methodology that protects confidentiality.
PHASE 2 – Action
This is the go phase where the business is launched into the marketplace. During this stage a rush of behind-the-scenes Action is taking place. Prospective buyers will be interviewed, confidentiality agreements will be signed, questions will be answered, and buyer / seller meetings will be arranged. The seller must continue to run the daily operations of the business and carry on as usual. Deviating attention away from day-to-day demands of business operations would affect employees, clients, sales, and ultimately profits — which can mean a lower price in the marketplace. The goal of our phased, targeted marketing approach is to foster a competitive environment among interested acquirers in order to bring the highest possible price for your company.
PHASE 3 – Profit Point (Pay Day)
This is the final stretch, the closing phase of the process. It commences once a Letter of Intent is in place, or an Earnest Money Contract, for small businesses. The first step in this stage is due diligence, which is an investigation or audit of the business by the buyer. Due diligence serves to confirm all material facts in regards to the potential sale. This includes reviewing all financial records, business operations, human capital, plus anything else deemed material to the sale. Sellers should also perform a due diligence analysis on the buyer. After due diligence is performed and both parties are satisfied with the results, closing activities begin. The closing phase is the last mile that often has bumps, curves, and detours that can obstruct the way to the goal. However, these obstacles can be overcome by an expert driver who is keenly familiar with the terrain. After thousands of excursions, we know the route well and can safely guide the way to the destination…the closing table…the place where business owner can finally realize Payment due from years of hard work. They’re then free to turn that dream into reality….the whole reason for the trip