Whether the economy is strong or weak, the reasons for buying or selling a privately held business remain constant. At some point, the business reaches a stage where the question of selling or buying a new company comes up. Perhaps the owner wants to retire and his children are not interested in running the business. Or, there may be a family dispute over the business, which can be resolved by selling it. Perhaps the future of the company is beyond the owner’s ability to grow it, and needs fresh perspectives or a different set of skills. Maybe the future doesn’t look bright for the business – or would greatly improve if it were possible to get into a new market quickly and cost effectively through an acquisition. Perhaps the best growth strategy is to add the products and services of other company to your own organization’s mix.

1. There are always entrepreneurs looking for deals. It may be cheaper to acquire an existing business and build it up, than to start one from scratch
2. A buyer may already own a similar business, and by combining the two, increase revenues while maintaining or lowering operating costs.
3. Your business assets may hold special appeal, such as customer bases, proprietary technology, intellectual property such as trademarks, domain names, and patents, strategic locations, or key personnel.
4. A prospective buyer may have a different business model in mind or has different financial expectations. The buyer might have ideas about reorganizing or repositioning that could make the business more profitable.
5. A significant tax advantage may be achieved through the acquisition of a struggling business by offsetting the buying company’s profits.

As in all aspects of business, having the expert advice of a trusted advisor is a way of ensuring that all options have been considered, and the best one chosen. The advisor can guide you through the selling process, help you evaluate the worth of your business and its assets, and may be able to help match you up with potential buyers. If you think clearly, keep a cool head, set reasonable expectations, and seek the counsel of trusted experts in the area of business acquisition, you can realize a healthy return by selling or buying a business, even in a tough economy.

Advisory Services include:

• First hand experience in the challenges and problems facing entrepreneurs
• Over five decades of experience in advising privately held companies
• Concentration and focus on mid-size, privately held and family-owned businesses
• Extensive business and community contacts
• Assistance in setting goals and objectives for an acquisition game plan
• Effective, personal relationships with the top financial institutions

Talk with us – we know the best people who can help you and put your business in the right hands, or find the business that adds greater profits to your company.