Articles

M&A’s dirty playbook

Posted on September 20th, 2021

If you work in M&A, you can take a class on how to take advantage of people. It’s true. Buyers can go through mergers and acquisitions training, at some of the most prestigious universities, learning how to pay has little as possible for a family-owned business or privately held company.

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Keep Widening Your Moat - Barriers to Entry - Buying a Business

Posted on September 6th, 2021

When buying a business, one of the qualities buyers look for is barriers to entry. The harder it is for someone to get started in your business or take away your customers, the bigger the barrier.

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Know the 3 types of business buyers and what motivates them

Posted on June 14th, 2021

When selling your business, you may receive offers from three kinds of buyers: Individual, financial, and strategic. Here’s a look at the most common buyers and where their motivations lie.

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Advantages of Buying an Existing Business vs Starting a New Business

Posted on May 14th, 2021

Top reasons to consider buying an existing business:

  • Existing cash flow
  • Established customer base and market share
  • Proven business model
  • Brand identity
  • Functioning infrastructure
  • Trained employees and established vendors

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6 Rules of Thumb for Business Valuation

Posted on May 12th, 2021

Calculate the value of your business using these tips. There are many methods for business valuation but the goal is always to sell at the right price. 

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Economist suggests business owners sell by 2024

Posted on April 16th, 2021

Economically speaking, COVID-19 was a “natural disaster.” That’s according to Brian Beaulieu, CEO and chief economist of ITR economics. Beaulieu spoke at the virtual State of M&A conference hosted by Cornerstone Business Services in February, helping business owners and advisors understand the market ahead. 

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Evaluating a Business for Sale - What to Ask the Owner

Posted on April 7th, 2021

Learn the types of questions to ask when considering buying a business. They should be specific and give you a clear picture of what the business has to offer.

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Selling business to your kids? Consider a private equity partnership

Posted on April 6th, 2021

Years ago, when we were marketing a business for sale, we used to include a short note about why the business wasn’t transitioning to the owner’s kids. After all, if it’s such a great opportunity, why don’t the kids want it, right? 

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Biden tax plans could accelerate M&A

Posted on March 13th, 2021

Any business owner contemplating an exit in the next few years should consider how potential tax changes could reduce their net proceeds from a sale. If Biden’s tax plans come to fruition, the capital gains tax rate could effectively double, from 20% to 39.6% for income exceeding $1 million

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Valuing a Small Business – Determining Its Earning Potential

Posted on March 9th, 2021

Learn more about what to look for in the financial documents when valuing a small business in order to determine its earning potential for you in the future!

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