Why get a Business Valuation? If you are a business owner, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to understand the value of your business. A valuation helps shape your exit strategy, informs your financial planning, and can be critical to creating a contingency plan that adequately protects your family.
Business owners thinking about exiting their business may be hearing the terms “platform” and “add-on” acquisitions. Understanding these terms, and knowing which category you might belong to, can help you prepare your business for a competitive, higher value sale.
Your business is on the market and you’re looking forward to that glorious day when you can let go of the pressure and responsibilities of ownership. But don’t let those future plans distract you from what’s going on today.
As you look at your options for business valuations, I want to share where we fit in and why we think DealCoach is best. There are cheaper services out there, but like anything, you get what you pay for. Many of the low cost valuation services you find online are computer-generated models only.
If you’re a business owner, you know that at some point you will have to transition out of your business. The question is, will the business transition to new ownership or will you have to shut your doors?
The proof is in the pudding. It’s not over ‘til it’s over. Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched. Pick your cliché. Just because someone makes an offer to buy your business doesn’t mean they have the resources to get it done. 9 warning signs your buyer can’t follow through:
You don’t want to hear this. You might even be a little offended. But when it comes time to sell your business, you are the least valuable part of the equation. Unless you’re sticking around with an ownership stake or long-term employment contract, your experience means very little to a buyer.
Twenty years ago, when I started out in M&A, I worked with small businesses. At that point, my biggest hurdle was convincing business owners they needed a business broker in the first place. I had to show people the value an outside advisor could bring to the table.
As you start the sale process, you may be holding more offsite meetings and fielding confidential phone calls. Even a subtle shift in activity can cause savvy employees to wonder what’s up. Be prepared to answer questions about who these advisors are that are touring your business and why you’re requesting additional information from your management team.
Even if you stay on with the business, you don’t have complete control over how new ownership runs the company. If the business does well, you get paid. If business drops, you don’t.