IN A NUTSHELL
A typical sale process can be broken down into the three broad phases:
1. Preparing for a sale.
2. Marketing the company, and
3. Negotiating/closing a transaction.
Though it sounds simple, here's some advice: Each phase is an important step toward giving you the strongest position at the bargaining table. Resist the strong urge to jump right to the marketing phase, and you'll reap the rewards!
PREPARE TO SUCCEED
It has often been said that successful business people begin to prepare their companies for sale the first day their businesses are established. While this may not be meant to be taken literally, it does highlight a key point: Most characteristics that enhance your company 's market ability take time to develop. It takes more than a little touch-up or a coat of paint to sell your business at a price you feel its worth. The presence of several of the following characteristics will significantly enhance your company's marketability to a credible acquirer and make it more likely that you will obtain a strong offer:
* Depth of management
* Clear top management succession,
* History of audited financial statements,
* Consistent reinvestment of earnings into operations, and
* Discipline of regular business plans/projections
A typical sale process can be broken down into the three broad phases:
1. Preparing for a sale.
2. Marketing the company, and
3. Negotiating/closing a transaction.
Though it sounds simple, here's some advice: Each phase is an important step toward giving you the strongest position at the bargaining table. Resist the strong urge to jump right to the marketing phase, and you'll reap the rewards!
It has often been said that successful business people begin to prepare their companies for sale the first day their businesses are established. While this may not be meant to be taken literally, it does highlight a key point: Most characteristics that enhance your company 's market ability take time to develop. It takes more than a little touch-up or a coat of paint to sell your business at a price you feel its worth. The presence of several of the following characteristics will significantly enhance your company's marketability to a credible acquirer and make it more likely that you will obtain a strong offer:
* Depth of management
* Clear top management succession,
* History of audited financial statements,
* Consistent reinvestment of earnings into operations, and
* Discipline of regular business plans/projections
