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Business sale planning: Three lessons from Shark Tank
February 1, 2019 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Louis Cionci
As an M&A advisor having participated in the sale of businesses ranging in price from $500 thousand to $100 million, I enjoy watching ABC’s Shark Tank. On the show, entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of five investors (“sharks”) who then decide whether or not to invest. Today I want to pass along three key takeaways from Shark Tank for every business owner who plans to sell their business some day. 1. The business valuation …
How Does an M&A Auction Process Work?
January 19, 2019 / in Sell a Business / by Al Statz
This article covers the basics of an M&A auction process for those of you considering selling your company. As M&A advisors serving the lower middle market, we use auctions to maximize price and terms for seller clients. An auction is a type of structured sale process that involves competitive bidding. Auctions are incredibly effective when done properly, but are a ton of work and involve strategy and nuance. They are most effective in a strong …
Business Sale Planning – How CPA’s Can Help
November 14, 2018 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Louis Cionci
Exiting right requires early planning and help from a team of advisors that is often formed by a company’s CPA. In our work as M&A brokers, business owners often come to us emotionally ready to sell but unrealistic about the value and condition of their business. And frequently they are out of time or unwilling to re-position the business for a more lucrative sale. Misconceptions, clouded judgement and lack of planning are all too common. Fortunately, a …
When It’s Time to Sell, Put Your Strengths First
October 31, 2018 / in Sell a Business / by BBP
Putting your strengths first will help you sell your business. While this may seem obvious, a surprising number of business owners will either improperly index the strengths of their business or fail to emphasize those strengths adequately. In this article, we will examine five key business strengths that you should focus on when it comes time to sell. Understand Your Buyer You know your business, but you don’t necessarily know what buyer is best for …
Does Your M&A Advisor have a Stamp of Approval?
September 16, 2018 / in Sell a Business / by Adam Wiskind
When choosing a business broker, M&A advisor, investment banker or transaction intermediary to sell your company it’s wise to consider their professional designations. Having one or more designations from the right professional organization provides validation that the individual is committed to his or her craft and has sufficient experience to manage a complex sale transaction. For California brokers that sell main street businesses and businesses at the very low end of the middle-market (say up to …
August 21st Seminar: How and When to Exit Your Business for Maximum Value
July 19, 2018 / in Exit Planning, News, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Are you considering retirement or exiting ownership and wondering if you’re going about it the best way? Will your business sell for maximum value? Please join us for an exclusive, limited-seating breakfast seminar in Roseville on Tuesday August 21, 2018 for business owners contemplating their exit. Learn the ins and outs of successful exit strategies and how to maximize value when you sell. This free, educational seminar is sponsored by Exit Strategies Group and Exchange …
Avoid These 6 Common Deal Breakers in the Business Sale Process
June 20, 2018 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Adam Wiskind
Finding a willing buyer for your business is worth celebrating, briefly. In my experience, a majority of owner-negotiated “deals” fall apart before reaching the closing table. In this post I will discuss several common deal breakers that I’ve seen, mostly involving differing expectations and poor preparation, and how you can avoid them. But first I want to be sure you know what a Letter of Intent (LOI) is. An LOI is a non-binding agreement between …
Go on Vacation … An exit strategy for small business owners
June 13, 2018 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Roy Martinez
Do you plan to sell your business in 1-3 years? 3-5 years? 5-10 years? If so, here’s a simple preparedness test. Take a vacation! Ask yourself, “What would happen to my business if I left for a 3-week vacation?” Some scenarios: Business grinds to a halt. Since you do most of the work yourself, when you take a vacation sales drop 50% or more. Outbound selling stops. Like many business owners, you are the main …
Exit Strategies Advises on Sale of Valley Inventory Services, California’s Leading Inventory Services Provider
June 8, 2018 / in News, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Exit Strategies Group acted as exclusive advisor to Valley Inventory Service, Inc. on its recent sale to private investors. Terms of sale will not be disclosed. Founded in 1972, VIS is the leading regional physical inventory service provider in California. VIS serves supermarkets, retail stores, pharmacies, distribution centers, wineries and manufacturers in the Western U.S. Using state of the art data collection hardware and software, VIS tailors its services to meet the timing and reporting …
Can I Sell My Business (C Corp Stock) Tax Free?
April 25, 2018 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
In some cases yes! Congress has long recognized that small businesses investment is an important driver of the U.S. economy. Back in 1993, to encourage capital investment in small businesses, they created a rule that eliminates federal income tax on some (later revised to all) of the gain on the sale of certain C Corporation stock issued after August 10, 1993. This article introduces the Qualified Small Business Stock (“QSBS”) tax break for business owners who …