Before discussing a the value of a business, I want to understand what the owner actually wants.
*Is the priority maximum cash at closing?
*Protecting employees?
*Keeping the company name and legacy?
*Leaving immediately, or remaining involved for a period of time?
*Selling to family, an employee or an outside buyer?
The “best” transaction depends on those answers.
A strategic buyer may offer more but change the company dramatically. An employee may protect the culture but require seller financing. An individual buyer may need SBA financing which may require a longer transition.
Price matters. But price without terms, timing and owner priorities tells only part of the story.
When it’s time to sell your company, identify what matters most, other than the price.
If you’ve had a client exit/transition/sell their company, what was most important for them?
#BusinessOwners #SuccessionPlanning #MergersAndAcquisitions