Tag Archives: how to sell a business

Current Market for Selling a Business

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Selling a Business

 

 

What is Current Market for  Selling a Business  (or Buying a Business). I’ve been involved with business sales for approximately 25 years.  Fifteen years as a business buyer and Seller during which I acquired 9 businesses and 9 years as a business broker representing business buyers and sellers.

As a business broker working with business Sellers and Buyers in South Carolina and Florida we are afforded access to a lot of market information as it relates to business transactions, what businesses are selling for, and trends.  Sales Data and terms  on these private transactions are not readily available to the general public.

 As a business owner or potential business buyer it is not unusual to “hear about someone that sold his business of $X “.  But often that information is incomplete or erroneous.

Below is some market information showing charts and trends relating to business sales throughout the US.  I believe it can provide some insights to both potential business sellers in South Carolina or Florida as well as Business Buyers.  Also below I’ve highlighted my insights to what I believe some of this information means and what may be worth noting.

A review of over 7000 businesses sold during 2015 show:

 

  • The median asking price grew 12.5 percent from $200,000 in 2014 to $225,000.
  • The median sale price also increased a solid 7.6 percent year-over-year, from $185,000 to $199,000.

 

What is my business worth?

 

 

 

 

 

What Does this graph say about Businesses Sold?

A significant determinant of a business sales price is “Multiple of Cash Flow” or “Multiple of SDE (Sellers Discretionary Earnings).  But this “Multiple” does vary based on business size ( Sales and Cash Flow).  Businesses Sold with Sales of $1M-$5M will generally sell at a different multiple than business sold with Sales of $100k-$1M .  Above graph shows as the cash flow of a business increases the multiple of cash flow also increases .  This graph shows a business with approx. $150k of cash flow sold for 2.5 x that cash flow (CF). Whereas a business with  $1M in cash flow sells for 3.1 times that cash flow (CF).

 

What is Value of my Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does above graph say about Business Value  and or Business Selling Price. ?

 

Above Graph depicts that The price of businesses sold ( as a multiple of cash flow ) has remained fairly steady over the last 4 years.  Going forward, I expect this to remain consistent thru 2016.

types of businesses for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What type of businesses are being sold?  Above chart shows the types of businesses sold throughout the US in 4th quarter of 2015.

Are you looking to buy a business in South Carolina or Florida?   Are you looking to sell your business.  A business is not bought or sold in a vacuum.  How does your business measure to other like or similar businesses?   No two  businesses are the same, but similarities do exist.  Understanding value or potential value may be one of the more important steps that goes into the process of buying or selling a business.

Thinking about buying or selling a business?  Please feel free to contact me Scott Messinger Business Broker to discuss any questions you may have on the process.  And it is a process.  Also, feel free to search on businesses for sale on my site  at:

www. SellaBusinesssAdvisors.com.  or contact me at Scott@GatewayBusinessAdvisors.com

or call direct at (864) 210-8226 or (239) 770-2421.

 

7 Steps to Buying a Business

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7 Steps to Buying a Business

buying a Florida business

Steps to Buying a Business 

Buying a business requires planning and an organized approach.  Many Business Buyers that are Buying a business in South Carolina or Florida businesses do come from out of state.  I am a Business Broker focused in both South Carolina and Florida.  Prior to being a business broker I started and owned my own business and purchased 8 businesses to to supplement our organic growth.  The last 2 business I sold about a month ago had both business buyers from “up north”. The steps to buying a business  can vary depending upon each individuals situation and goals.  Below are some steps that may apply to many business buyers.

1. Have you had “the talk” with your significant other?-  Have you discussed your thoughts, ideas with your significant other?  Does buying a Florida business mean a relocate?  If so how does that affect those most important around you?  I started and owned and sold my own business and to think about making any of these decisions without my wife is unthinkable. I work with a lot of potential business sellers, and when I ask if they have discussed with their wife of 10-20-30 years and they say no, I know  that the decision still has further steps to take.

2. Consider your capabilities.  What are your realistic financial means to buy a business.  Do you need a business that offers Seller financing or do you plan to seek financing from a bank or other?  What is both your true skill set and what sort of businesses do you have an interest in.  And, do you have the financial capabilities to buy such a business, and or or their technical or license requirements that could me met by you.

3.   Geography- both South Carolina and Florida are big states!  Are you looking to buy a business in a certain part of the state or ok for most any part of the state(s)?

4.  Start Looking around.  It’s easy from anywhere in the world to jump on the internet and search for a South Carolina or Florida Businesses For Sale.   This is a very easy part of the process.  But how do you advance your search from casual looking around to trying to reach a goal of for example wanting to buy a business within 6 months.  For every hundred of people that “look to buy  a business”  only a few actually do.  Looking  thru websites is generally a free and fairly benign exercise.  Engaging with someone that understands the South Carolina or Florida market advances your efforts from “looking around” to trying to fulfill a goal.  Contact a business broker and have a dialogue and seek out assistance from someone that engages in this process on a regular basis, and understands the marketplace.

5.  The vetting process.  Getting information from the internet on businesses for sale can provide certain minimal information.  To receive detailed info confidentiality agreements will be signed.  Expect information exchange to be a “2-way street”, you will desire information on a business sellers business including financials, company background and  history.  A business Seller will require information on you, including your financial capabilities and  your background.

6.  Meeting with the Business Seller.  A Business buyer can “meet” a business owner via a phone conference call, but a face to face visit with the owner will allow both the prospective business buyer and Business Seller, to either develop a comfort level to move forward or move on. A successful meeting could result in a contingent offer being generated/presented.

 

7. Generating a business offer to Purchase-  After finding the business that meets your requirements, an offer is generated and presented to the business Seller.  At times an LOI (Letter of Intent) may also be utilized.  The business Seller has the option to accept, reject or make a counter offer.

If accepted, due diligence is pursued with the goal of satisfying the wants of the business buyer and reaching a business closing date whereas the prospective business buyer achieves the goal of being a business buyer. The steps to buying a business can vary greatly.  Having an organized approach and realistic expectations can go a long way towards finding and buying the right business. 

Selling Your Business How to Find a Buyer

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Selling your Business How to Find a  Buyer

Selling your business

You have decided you want to sell your business.  How do you find a buyer for your business?

When a business has been in existence for many years, 10-20-30-40+ years it is not uncommon for the business owner to be approached about selling his/hers business. Or it is not uncommon to “hear about someone interested in buying the business” or have someone express “interest in buying the business”.  Selling your business can be a challenge.   I have seen and experienced this as a business owner and as a business broker. So one may think  “if these  people are interested in buying the business and I’m not even trying to sell it, I think it may be very doable to find a buyer when I am ready to sell my business.” But like a lot of other complex processes, “the devil is in the detail.”  Often  , when ready to sell your  business,  it turns out the person  or competitor, or strategic buyer prospect that was interested in the business 1,2, 3 years ago, is no longer interested- their situation has changed.  Or the guy that said he knew someone  that was interested in the business, doesn’t have the resources to consummate a deal. So how does a business owner find a buyer for the business. 1. Try to find a buyer on his/her own. 2. Hire a Business Broker to find a buyer.   Neither options are guaranteed. What is generally not known by one trying to sell a business is that MANY  businesses that actively try to sell their business DO NOT SELL.  Industry statistics show that well over 1/2 of all businesses that actively try to sell actually do NOT  transition the business to a new buyer. But it is with little doubt that hiring a qualified business broker greatly increases ones odds of finding a buyer.  It is my opinion that a significant reason why utilizing a business broker is the simple fact that most business owners already have their hands full running their business.  And then to add  the components of selling a business to their day is barely doable at best. Marketing the business, vetting out buyer prospects, tire kickers, not disclosing the confidential component of the sale are just a few responsibilities that are easy to do  while continuing to run their business.   Often there is not enough hours in the day to get all that done and run the business. A business broker is able to have “generic dialogue” with competitors and strategic buyers without disclosing the name of the business.  If  Mike from Mikes Towing approaches ABC towing about buying their business, then ABC business knows Mikes Towing is for Sale. If Scott from XYZ  Business Brokerage approaches ABC Towing about a Towing business in the Jacksonville Florida area- confidentiality is maintained. But as a Business Broker we market  looking for business buyers across many different platforms, often searching locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.    So often business buyers are from “Somewhere else”.   Also a business buyer is someone that buys a business.  About 9 out of 10 people that approach about an interest in buying a business don’t buy a business.  They may one day, but that may not be this year or next year.  They are prospective business buyers.- As a business Seller you are looking for a Business Buyer. I personally have bought  several business over the last 25 years. I have made the decision to buy a business- found a business that met my goals and then concern myself greatly if I cannot effectively acquire the business   Many “Business Buyers” looking for a business do not ever make an offer on a business , or buy a business.  They may be a perpetual business buyer prospect, or they may truly be ready to take the next step and be a business buyer. Knowing the difference between a prospective business buyer and actual business buyer can be the difference between an effective sale or a frustrating  time demanding process .   Selling your business can be a challenge. For More information on Selling a Business or Buying a Business  Scott M Messinger (239) 770-2421

Is Selling Your Business The Right Choice For You?

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Is Selling Your Business The Right Choice For You?

Is Selling You Business the right choice for you ?

When a small business owner is considering the sale of his or hers business there can be an extensive search to find answers regarding the process.  Before one finds the answers or proper information as it relates to the sale of a business, you must know the questions to ask.  Most small business owners are not born with the knowledge on how to sell their business.  Furthermore most small business owners have not sold a business before ,therefore gaining knowledge and information on the best way to sell their business is essential.

Again each business is different and each business owner and business owner situation is different, but below please find a list of questions to consider that may be helpful in the process of selling a business.

        Are Your Ready To Sell Your Business?

Are you ready- Are you emotionally ready to sell your business?- Almost 20 years ago when approached about potential buyers looking to buy my business, I asked my CPA for his advise which I followed and still subscribe to today.  He told me “You will know when you are ready”.  I tell  those I advise today if you wake up one day and think its time to sell your business- take some time and reconsider.  If you wake up 30 days+ in a row feeling you want to sell your business- then maybe its time to sell your business.

Is Your Business Ready?

Is your business ready for you to sell your business?-  Are your financials in order.  In other words do you have accurate financial records that are both accurate and understandable.  Do you have systems and or policies and procedures in place and documented?

                What Is Your Business Worth?

What effect does the amount of money you would get from the sale of your business have on your decision. Is it your complete retirement money?  Is it enough to allow you to exit to pursue your next venture?  What is the difference between what you need the value to be and the actual value.

Getting Others To Help You Sell Your Business

DO you hire a business broker to sell your business?   Can your CPA or your attorney sell your business?  Can you sell your business yourself?  I am a business broker and sold my own business and also purchased multiple businesses as a business owner.  Yet after the sale of my business I chose to be a business broker as I recognized the value and confidentiality a business broker can provide. Furthermore most business owners are busy running their businesses before they add they task of trying to sell their business to their work day.

                Should You Improve Business Before You Sell It?

DO you buy that new truck?  Do I spruce up the inside of my stores?  Do I hire that new employee?

I always advise business sellers to run the business as you will own the business for the next five years.  There is a chance the business will not sell or take a long period of time.  Continue to make your business better and attempt to add value.  Certain Capital expenditure  should be carefully weighed, but continue to try to improve your business.

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your Business?

It seems that typically it will take longer for a business to sell than a business owner may originally think.  I suggest the 1 year time frame as a guideline but again all businesses are different and asking price for a business can strongly influence the time it takes to sell a business.

 

My Personal Advice When Selling Your Business

Every business is different and every business owner  and business owners situation is a little different.  But there also is some commonality shared.  My perspective on this matter is that of one that has started a business, personally purchased several businesses, sold my own business and have helped others buy and sell businesses.

I understand and respect the decision of selling a business is a very important and complex decision and process.  It is NOT all about the money.  The sale of a business  involves multiple facets including  price, emotions, financing,  lifestyle, families  and personalities.

When considering if it is time for you to sell your business spend some plenty of time seeking some answers, but begin with the questions most important to you.

 

Selling a Business to a Soldier

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Selling a Business to a Soldier

I am a Businwww.SellaBusinessFlorida.comess Broker in South Carolina.   I had been a business broker in Florida for 8 years.  at that time, Most of the business I represented to Sell were in the state of Florida and many businesses I represented for Sale were in the Jacksonville Florida area.

Buyers of businesses come from everywhere.  Prospective business buyers    come from right down the street and  from elsewhere in the State.   Very often business buyers buying a Florida business or South Carolina business come from another state.  Currently I am working with a business buyer from Ukraine.  I am also working with a soldier stationed in Afghanistan that contacted me regarding a Meat Shoppe I have for sale in Jacksonville.  This 12 plus year military vet, while still serving, has extended an offer to buy this business I represent for sale.  The Seller has accepted the offer and potentially this person that has spent the last 12+  years serving the USA military,  will be a small business owner after his final discharge date.  It is potentially a life changing event for him and his family

Every business sale I see as unique  with its own unique set of issues, challenges, and obstacles.  Some business sales have less obstacles than others, but they all have obstacles.  Selling a business to a Solider that is currently serving overseas brings on its own unique set of challenges.

Observations about Selling a Business to a Soldier-

  • This prospective business buyer is seeking an SBA loan we think we do have a good lending source lined up that is working hard on behalf of this veteran,- I have yet to locate any special lending programs for military veterans, and find that surprising.
  • As many know prior experience  in the industry is a standard requirement of SBA lending.  again I was surprised that the experiences in the military do not carry more weight in the lending community.
  • Obviously the logistics of calls, emails, faxes, signatures,  along with the big time zone difference and  are just not as easy as me working with a prospective buyer in Chicago Il.
  • Business sales that are contingent on appraisals, loans, and standard due diligence are the norm.  Drafting an offer that is contingent upon “not becoming another statistic before being  scheduled to leave theater “(Afghanistan) brings a new and sobering  element to the process.

On a somewhat related note, yesterday I volunteered at an event in Jacksonville Florida  called Hired Our Heroes.  (sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation).  It was a job fair and workshop geared towards transitioning  Military veterans.   My role was to help military veterans that are preparing their transition to “civilian life”.  I also assisted with resume reviews and providing a “civilian business owner perspective”. During my 20 years as a business owner I interviewed and hired 100’s of employees and prospective employees.  At this event I had the chance to spend time with what turned out to be very qualified individuals.  One individual had a very lengthy resume.  We spent a lot of time  trying to simplify it and cut it back.  Problem was that during his 21 years in the military he had  managed  and coordinated so many impressive feats that his resume was long because he has accomplished so much.  Another I spoke to inferred not wanting to point out his involvement in “hostile environments” as he thought this may dissuade a prospective employer from hiring him.  He had been advised that this may be viewed as a negative from a prospective employer.

Our military is and has been producing so many impressive individuals.   Buying a business as a soldier should be a plausible and viable transition.  But pursuing buying a business   as a soldier has its own special challenges.  I think more could be done to assist a soldier  that desires to own a business after their time serving our country is completed.  In this case am I, the lender, and the Seller working a little harder because this prospective business buyer is currently serving our country?- yes.  But after working on this business sale I think  pursuing  the dream of owning a business after serving our country should be easier and more common place.