Selling a Business Advice

Selling an Internet Security Services Business

We hear from a lot of business owners who are timid about listing their internet security services business. Despite the mood of the market, we think there are still opportunities to receive a good price for your internet security services business. Here's what you need to know . . .

Market timing is a perennial problem for business sellers.

Fortunately for sellers, forward-thinking entrepreneurs continue to be attracted to internet security services businesses that exhibit strong financials and potential for future growth.

Timing the Market

Timing is everything when it comes to selling an internet security services business. With interest rates at all-time lows, it's easy to see why internet security services businesses are an appealing investment opportunity for savvy investors. As the interest rates rise, it will be more difficult for buyers to make the numbers work in their favor. So we see market timing as a concern that can be easily mitigated by applying fundamental sales strategies and adequately preparing your company for buyers.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell an internet security services business?

In an internet security services business sale, pricing is based on a number of factors, including the costs incurred during the sale. Good brokerage takes a 10% success fee off the top of the final sale price. Attorneys, accountants and appraisers work for a flat fee that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Furthermore, your time has value, so you may need to include a personal compensation consideration in your expense estimates.

Preparing Your Employees

As a business owner, you want to keep you employees informed about your plans; as a seller it's in your best interest to keep your employees in the dark for as long as possible. You're concerned about confidentiality, and rightfully so. However, the longer the selling process drags on, the more likely it is that rumors will begin to circulate throughout your workforce. So at some point you will have to resign yourself to the idea of telling some or all of your employees that you have listed the internet security services business on the market. Your employees will undoubtedly have many questions about their future with the company. Try to answer their questions to the best of your ability, but avoid making any promises that you are not authorized to make.

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