Fairness Opinions

Since one often hears the term “fair value” or “fair market value,” it would be easy to assume that “fairness opinion” means the same thing.  A fairness opinion may be based to some degree on fair market value, but there the similarities end.  Assume that you are president of a family business and the other members are not active in the business, but are stockholders; or you are president of a... Continue Reading →

Are You Asking a Reasonable Price for Your Privately Held Company?

Placing a price on a privately-held company is usually more complex than placing a value, or a price, on a publicly-held company.  There are many reasons for this fact, but one of the top reasons is that privately-held companies don’t have audited financial statements. Why are Audited Financial Statements Lacking in Privately-Held Companies? Preparing an audited financial statement is expensive and, as a result, many companies that... Continue Reading →

Examining the Mind of the Serious Buyer – 5 Points to Consider

Are you looking for a way to perfect your presentation?  Understanding what the typical serious buyer wants will help you get your business ready for selling. Let’s turn our attention to looking at what these types of individuals and entities really want.  After all, your time is precious. 1. An Interest in the Industry First, prospective buyers will want to have a better understanding of your industry.  Any serious buyer... Continue Reading →

Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Company?

Like many things in life, timing can be everything when it comes to selling your company.  Every day more and more baby-boomers are now reaching retirement age.  Soon, the market will likely be flooded with companies looking to sell. According to a 2016 survey of business brokers, 54% plan to exit in the next ten years.  We may be on the verge of a massive wave of businesses hitting the market.  Getting out in front of that... Continue Reading →

If You’re Selling, Get Ready to Expect the Unexpected!

Many experts agree that the best time to prepare to sell your business is when you start your business.  That may sound extreme. However, few business owners reach that level of preparedness.  A simple fact of life and owning a business is that most sales are event-driven.  Factors such as problems with a partnership, health issues, burnout or even divorce can drive a business owner to sell. Once you’ve made the... Continue Reading →

How Your Employees Can Boost Profits and Values

The simple fact is that without employees, you don’t have a business.  Given the tremendous importance of your employees, it is important to step back and reflect on the value associated with keeping those employees happy. There is a direct relationship between happy employees and happy customers.  A happy employee takes steps to ensure that your customers are satisfied.  This approach in turn leads to a higher level of... Continue Reading →

Around the Web: A Month in Summary

A recent article posted on the Axial Forum entitled “What Do Buyers Look for in the Lower Middle Market?” explains how to make your business valuable to potential buyers and how to find the right buyers for your business. The buyers in the lower middle market are usually strategic buyers, financial buyers, private equity firms, and search fund advisors. Buyers in this market are generally looking for the following characteristics:... Continue Reading →

Around the Web: A Month in Summary

A recent article posted on the Axial Forum entitled “What Do Buyers Look for in the Lower Middle Market?” explains how to make your business valuable to potential buyers and how to find the right buyers for your business. The buyers in the lower middle market are usually strategic buyers, financial buyers, private equity firms, and search fund advisors. Buyers in this market are generally looking for the following characteristics:... Continue Reading →

Around the Web: A Month in Summary

A recent article posted on the Axial Forum entitled “What Do Buyers Look for in the Lower Middle Market?” explains how to make your business valuable to potential buyers and how to find the right buyers for your business. The buyers in the lower middle market are usually strategic buyers, financial buyers, private equity firms, and search fund advisors. Buyers in this market are generally looking for the following characteristics... Continue Reading →

Don’t Let the Dust Settle on Your Lease: 8 Factors to Consider

Owners often neglect understanding their leases and this can be problematic.  If your business is location-sensitive, then the status of your lease could be of paramount importance.  Restaurants and retail businesses, for example, are usually location-dependent and need to pay special attention to their leases.  But with that stated, every business should understand in detail the terms of its leases. There are many key factors... Continue Reading →

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