Buyers, as part of their due diligence, usually employ accountants to check the numbers and attorneys to both look at legal issues and draft or review documents. Buyers may also bring in other professionals to look at the business’ operations. The prudent buyer is also looking behind the scenes to make sure there are not any “skeletons in the closet.” It makes sense for a seller to be just as...Read More
Once a buyer has negotiated a deal and secured the necessary financing, he or she is ready for the due diligence phase of the sale. The serious buyer will have retained an accounting firm to verify inventory, accounts receivable and payables; and retained a law firm to deal with the legalities of the sale. What’s left for the buyer to do is to make sure that there are no “skeletons in the...Read More
Take two seemingly identical companies with very similar financials, but one of the companies was worth substantially more than the other company. One company will sell for $10 million “as is” or some changes can be made and the same company can be sold for $15 million. Following is a partial list of potential company weaknesses to consider in order to assess a company’s vulnerability....Read More
A serious buyer should have the answers to the following questions: Why are you considering the purchase of a business at this time?
What is your time frame to find a suitable business?
Are you open-minded about different opportunities, or are you looking for a specific business?
Have you set aside an amount of capital that you are willing to invest?
Do you really want to be in business for...Read More
Buyers are generally categorized as belonging to one of the following groups although, in reality, most buyers fit into more than one.
The Individual Buyer
This is typically an individual with substantial financial resources, and with the type of background or experience necessary for leading a particular operation.
The individual buyer usually seeks a business that is financially healthy,...Read More
Sellers Don’t have a valid reason for selling.
Are testing the waters to check the market and the price. (They are similar to the buyer who is “just shopping.”)
Are completely unrealistic about the price and the market for their business.
Are not honest about their business or their situation. The reason they want to sell is that the business is not viable, it has environmental problems or...Read More
