Sell a Company Niche Market Guides

Selling a Lithographic Negatives and Plates Business

Despite the pessimistic mood of many sellers, your lithographic negatives and plates business can be a high value acquisition target for ambitious entrepreneurs -- even in today's tough economy.

Are most buyers timid about buying a lithographic negatives and plates business in today's economic environment? You bet.

There is no simple way to sell a business. But the most prepared lithographic negatives and plates business sellers are achieving fair market value and more for their companies through persistence and the application of sound selling techniques.

Pre-Sale Checklist

There is a lot of work that needs to be done before you're ready to sell your lithographic negatives and plates business. The first item on your checklist should be a reality check -- if you plan to sell your business for top dollar in just a few short months, you need to adjust your expectations%However, your first priority should be to set realistic expectations for the selling process and its eventual outcome. After you have consulted with a business broker to right size your expectations, you'll need to add several items to your checklist, including financial statement preparation, pre-sale appraisals, financial planning, market positioning and other tasks designed to communicate value to prospective buyers.

Pros & Cons of a Sale to an Employee

Employee sales have pros and cons. There are some perks to selling the business in-house. If you need to sell quickly, the timeframe is condensed in an employee sale because you don't need to track down a buyer. But in many cases, employees expect to get a deal from their employer based on their years of service to the company. Seller financing is one way to get around the capital deficit of an employee-based lithographic negatives and plates business sale, as long as you are willing to vet the employee's credit worthiness the same as any other buyer.

Benefits of Third-Party Assistance

Rarely, if ever, do owners sell a lithographic negatives and plates business without outside assistance. Although it's wise to recruit a business broker, brokerage isn't your only concern. Additionally, you may want to hire professionals for legal, valuation and other functions before you put your business on the market. The early recruitment of external resources reduces your risk and results in a more predictable final outcome.

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