Sell-side Mergers and Acquisitions.
Spanx founder Sara Blakely and her husband Jesse Itzler were asked, “What is the biggest characteristic that contributes to future success?” Ponder for a moment … how do you answer this? Are you coming up with some of the standard answers I’ve heard: Intelligence? Strategic thinking? Vision or subject matter… Read More »Grit = Success
Having talked with 100s of buyers and potential business buyers at all levels, there are 3 issues that we hear consistently: “I’m looking for a business with a minimum cash flow of X….” or some variety of that statement. X is the amount that the business provides the buyer after… Read More »Thinking of Selling Your Business: What Buyers Want!
When a business owner calls and says it’s time to sell, one of my first questions is: “How soon do you want to be out?” Typically, the answer is “Yesterday.” Unfortunately, business owners underestimate how long the process to sell a business actually takes. Once we sign our engagement agreement… Read More »Are You Ready?
With most acquisitions, a strategic purchaser is looking to grow value by enhancing their top and bottom line. These acquisitions work best when they accomplish one of two goals: leveraging a core advantage or minimizing a weak area. The more market share one acquires, the greater the top line …… Read More »Increase Market Share: Leverage Strength, Minimize Weakness
As you’re thinking about selling your business, it’s time to plan your future. Because if you don’t spend time looking ahead, you’ll let fear of the unknown get in the way of actually moving into that future. We’ve seen it happen. After 20 or 30 years of running a business,… Read More »Business vs Future Identity
We have witnessed business owners who spent more time planning for a wedding (theirs or a child’s), their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary, and even a fantasy football draft, than planning for the sale of their business. According to the quarterly Market Pulse Report, we know that when it comes… Read More »Planning a Sale of a Business Takes Time
Most of our clients use compiled financial statements, and some go a step further with reviewed statements. That’s acceptable, however, if you have more than $15-$20M in revenue or industry requirements, audited financial statements a year or two before you plan to sell may be a good investment. With validated… Read More »What Do Your Financials Say?
One of our mantras is: “Go ugly early.” When you’re selling a business, put those landmine issues on the table right away. Whether you’ve just lost a customer, your backlog isn’t what it was, or you’re operating at capacity—get it out ASAP. ‘Why would I do that?’ you may ask. ‘Won’t… Read More »Go Ugly Early!
We’re just a few weeks into spring and that means it’s time for spring cleaning, at home and at your Business. If regular housekeeping is done, both your home and business are always ready for those unexpected guests at home and transitioning of your business. What I mean is that… Read More »Spring Cleaning Your Business
As a business owner, you need to consider the role you would like to have in your business transition to evaluate the type of suitors for your business transition. In an ideal world, you’ll have 4 or 5 offers to choose from, and what you’ll find is that the companies… Read More »Ever Have to Make a Decision?