Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the right time to sell my company?.
• How do I determine the value of my company?.
• Should I try to sell the business on my own?.
• How will the sale be kept confidential?.
• How do I locate potential buyers for my company?.
• How long will it take to sell my company?.
• Will I have to finance the sale?.
• What does it mean to "recast" my financial statements?
• How do you work with my attorney, CPA and other advisors?

When is the right time to sell my company?

Timing is very important when selling a business. The time to sell a business is when things are going well and the future looks positive. Buyers are primarily interested in the future success of the business and much of the conversation will focus on that aspect. The more the company appears to be poised for additional growth and profit opportunities, the higher the ultimate selling price of the company will be.

How do I determine the value of my company?

When selling a business, you must be prepared to demonstrate the value in the marketplace. This involves assembling, analyzing and preparing the appropriate documenting materials. While valuing a business is one of the most difficult aspects of the transaction, a combination of utilizing the best valuation specialists along with identifying potential buyers who can submit offers to ultimately negotiate a maximum selling price for the company will assure you of the highest degree of success.

Should I try to sell the business on my own?

There are many things to consider when selling a business. The relative size of the company will determine the complexity of the transaction. While accountants and attorneys can do an excellent job advising on specific aspects of the sale, the intricacies of the sale itself demands an intermediary to package the offering and locate the appropriate buyers and negotiate the details of the sale. Equally important is the maintenance of confidentiality throughout the process. An intermediary can maintain a level of confidentiality to protect you and your employees while dealing with experienced acquirers to protect your best interests. In most cases, the best case scenario is one where the owner concentrates on continuing to enhance the successful operation of the business to optimize the eventual selling price.

How will the sale be kept confidential?

We require our buyers to sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement to protect the interests of the seller. This is extremely critical in the overall process. Only a limited amount of information is disclosed initially until it is determined the potential buyer is an appropriate individual or company who is also capable of completing the transaction.

How do I locate potential buyers for my company?

It is important to identify the ideal type of buyer for your company. Our process begins by gaining an intimate understanding of your company and matching the buyers who can best benefit from a possible acquisition of your company. By determining the right profile for the buyer of your company, we can then go to work building a list of potential buyers and making the appropriate contacts.

How long will it take to sell my company?

The average time from your decision to sell the company to the actual closing is around 6 months. There is a lot to be accomplished in the overall process. It normally takes a month or so to prepare the company for sale and prepare a professional presentation to be used to market the company. Upon locating a buyer and obtaining a letter of intent to purchase the company, the buyer will then need adequate time to complete due diligence. From there, finalizing the agreements and preparing the final documents will involve additional time. It is extremely important the transaction be handled with precision and professionalism.

Will I have to finance the sale?

Most companies that are sold involve some type of financing. In general, when there is seller financing, the price of the company is usually higher. Conversely, without seller financing, the selling price can often be less. In some cases, buyers want to see a willingness on the part of the seller to finance part of the sale to demonstrate the seller has confidence in the ongoing success of the company. Other third party financing is common as well.

What does it mean to "recast" my financial statements?

In a general sense, it is typically a good idea to recast your financial statements. The process involves analyzing your financial statements to determine the impact of having run your firm as a closely held entity. This can involve tax-related treatment as well as examining the possible shifting of some business expenses that could also be classified as personal. It is very possible recasting your financial statements will increase the value and ultimate sale price of your company.

How do you work with my attorney, CPA and other advisors?

Your attorney, accountant and other advisors are a significant asset in working together with us in a collaborative effort to bring strength to the overall objective of selling your company for maximum value. It is our goal to work closely with these professionals to leverage those efforts to present a company to the market that engenders excitement, credibility and a maximum sales price. Our experience in dealing with these various factions allows us the opportunity to structure a deal to achieve those goals.