Profitable Niche Market Exit Plans

Selling an Online Brokers and Securities Trading Business

Business-for-sale markets are susceptible to a variety of influences. As you know, the online brokers and securities trading business industry has seen more than its share of fluctuations in business values. Many sellers have exited their companies under less-than-ideal circumstances. Yet it's still possible to achieve personal and professional goals when selling an online brokers and securities trading business during challenging economic times.

The online brokers and securities trading business-for-sale marketplace is a nuanced environment, full of pitfalls for sellers who aren't prepared for its demands.

The economy hasn't squashed the market for online brokers and securities trading businesses. Not surprisingly, buyers expect to receive value for their dollars - and that means sellers need to demonstrate that their businesses are capable of delivering anticipated returns.

Working with a Professional Accountant

Accountants lay the financial groundwork for a business sale. From a seller perspective, an accountant can offer personal financial assistance, especially when it comes to handling the disposition of sale proceeds. Brokers often advise their clients to have an accountant perform an audit of the business prior to sale. In certain instances, it may be appropriate to ask your accountant to vet the financials of prospective buyers, run credit checks or even structure the terms of a seller-financed deal.

Seller Financing

Business buyers are in a capital crunch. Thanks to more stringent commercial lending requirements, sellers have become de facto lenders, providing the financing buyers need to get their feet in the door. Although 100% seller financing isn't recommended, sellers are financing up to 70% of the sale price to close deals.

What About Market Conditions?

No one plans to sell an online brokers and securities trading business in a down economy. So far, government intervention and promises that the economy is slowly recovering haven't been enough to alleviate many entrepreneur's fears. Despite the risks, sellers need to be cognizant of the fact that there is a large volume of online brokers and securities trading businesses waiting to be listed until the economy rebounds. When that happens, the buyers' market will become even stronger and have a negative impact on prices. So what's our point? The economy isn't the most important factor in the sale of your business. Instead, you should be focusing on making your online brokers and securities trading business as attractive as possible so to buyers right now.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary