Tips on How to Buy a Business Successfully

Being an entrepreneur and your own boss may be personally and monetarily gratifying. A strategic approach to the acquisition of a firm will raise the chances of success.

1. Selecting a business to acquire

Establish explicit objectives and compose an acquisition plan. Why would you like to acquire a business? What form of enterprise do you wish to acquire? What do you know about the business you intend to purchase? What abilities do you offer to the company? What are your monetary objectives? How will you expand and use your business to enter new markets or acquire other companies? How can you expand the size and profitability of the business?

Include an investment banker or business broker, financial adviser, accountant, attorney, and funding sources on your “due diligence” team.

2. Researching the target company

Business TargetDetermine the reason why the business is selling. Are the existing owners retiring, or is there another reason for the sale? Has the company’s growth persisted, or has it struck a plateau? Are sales and earnings increasing? Does the firm have a solid management team that will remain in place following the sale, or is its present performance based only on the existing owners?

Examine and assess the present record and operations:

  • Financial records
  • Marketing techniques and advertising expenditures
  • Sales records
  • Contracts and legal papers

3. Making a proposal and negotiating the transaction

Consult with your experts to establish the current worth of the business. Determine if the transaction must include property or buildings utilized in accordance with the enterprise. Is there a purpose to purchase the company’s shares as opposed to its operational assets?

Compare your estimate to the asking price of the seller. How far are the two values apart? Will the seller entertain any contingencies in your offer depending on future performance? Typically, such conditions are utilized to bridge the gap between an offer and the higher asking price.

4. Arranging financing

financingWill the seller consider financing a portion of the purchase price — that is, accepting a note for a portion of the price? This can provide the seller with a tax advantage by delaying a portion of the tax on the selling gain.

Alternately, how much bank financing can you secure for the transaction, and how much of your own capital do you have to invest? What extra monies may be required to finance the transition following the acquisition? For instance, will you need to upgrade equipment or facilities, or do extensive repairs?

5. Consider your exit strategy before purchasing.

A successful business owner achieves their financial objectives and is able to sell their company. How do you plan to quit the business? Sell it within 5 years? Why not give it to your children? Sell it to workers? Payoff and retirement?

Consider the appropriate exit strategy while planning your acquisition plan. This will determine the amount you are willing to spend to expand the business.

Acquiring a business may be quite rewarding. The achievement of success needs effort and smart planning. Sunbelt Business Brokers of South Florida will assist you handle this process effectively, from analyzing and purchasing the business through developing and expanding it and selling it.

Talk to a Sunbelt South Florida broker today about all your business purchasing plans! View all current businesses for sale by visiting our Business Listings page.
Sunbelt Business Brokers of West Palm Beach provides dedicated business brokerage services for all of your selling needs. Whether you are an established business owner nearing retirement and looking to sell, or an ambitious entrepreneur seeking your next investment opportunity, there is no reason to look beyond Sunbelt Business Brokers. Visit us at 800 Village Square Crossing
Suite 216 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 or contact us at (561) 832-9222.