We represent Buyers (and Sellers) of Businesses. We are the intermediary and negotiator between Buyer and Seller, and serve to buffer the stress of this complicated process. We are there to explain the process, help identify issues, and solve problems.
Finding a Business to Buy
Buyers often come to us after they have found a business they wish to acquire; they engage us to help them complete a deal. In other situations, buyers develop an Acquisition Profile, that is, the specific type of business they want. They engage us to “search” for businesses that fit their profile, make contact, and begin dialog that hopefully will result in an acquisition.
Determining Value
Once an acquisition candidate is located, the next step is to figure out what it’s worth to the buyer. Our experience with various types of businesses in many industries allows us to efficiently analyze a Business and determine its value. We have access to the Institute of Business Appraisers database – actual sale data. With our expertise and input from the buyer, we place a value on the business and prepare to make an offer.
Structuring The Deal
The next step is to develop one or more possible structures for the acquisition. This is a critical step in the process, as the format for a sale can be either a barrier that becomes costly and or the means to buy the business. Our experience with many transactions and multi-faceted structures provides the foundation for getting deals done.
Making an Offer
What’s for sale, what should we buy, how much are we willing to pay, how is it to be paid, and contingencies are the core of an offer. The rationale behind the offer and how it’s presented often influence whether or not a deal can be made. Negotiation is a critical part of the offer/acceptance – it’s our specialty!
Due Diligence
Once an offer is accepted, due diligence starts. This is the often traumatic process of acquiring necessary information prior to completion of the purchase. We have experience – to help a buyer get through the process and avoid huge mistakes.
Documentation
Our experience with documentation can save time and expense. We focus on the business aspects and how the terms and conditions of the documents meet the requirements of each party, both during and after the completion of the deal. We work with and not against legal and acounting professions – to save time and expense.
Capital & Financing
How much Capital is necessary to buy the Business and to operate the Business? How much debt or owner financing will be required? How much Working Capital is needed? Our principals have owned and operated businesses, and provide invaluable real life experience. They have contacts with lenders, and direct lending experience, a valuable asset if financing is required.
Dealings Between Buyers & Sellers
Each Deal is unique; each Seller is unique; each Buyer is unique; each Business is unique. Deals are very fragile, often getting done or not getting done because of minuscule points. It is not what a Buyer or Seller says or means - it is what the other party hears and understands. We listen, we understand the points made. Everyone benefits, sometimes by the deal getting done, sometimes by the deal not getting done – for many reasons. We research for common ground on which to build a deal, and overcome the obstacles to getting deals done.
Why Retain a Specialist
Buyers retain us (sometimes after failed attempts to do it alone) when they realize that they need an expert to stand between them and the seller. By retaining our services, valuable time is saved by using our contacts, resources, and procedures to cover all aspects of the acquisition. During the purchase process, there are many occasions when direct Buyer and Seller communication will stop a transaction. That is where we are most effective. We listen and aren’t emotionally involved. And after the deal is done, we go on to another deal, while Buyer and Seller have to work together. We get deals done!
Post Closing
We stay in contact with our clients and also with the other side. Questions always arise after Closing. Through the sale process, as we were in the middle of the Deal, we retain the perspectives of all parties. That puts us in a position where we can check the documents, look at our files and notes, and help with post closing issues.
Our Fees
Our fees are based on the services we provide. We typically are paid for what we do and what we accomplish. We are flexible – please contact us to discuss your specific situation and needs.
