Business Exit Planning

Selling a Metal Distributors Business

You've learned a lot during your tenure as a metal distributors business owner. The next step is to position your business for the demands of the business-for-sale marketplace.

If you plan on selling your metal distributors business quickly, prepare to be disappointed.

The good news is that ambitious entrepreneurs continue to see metal distributors businesses as a smart business investment -- and the market is rewarding owners who are willing to invest time and energy in their sale.

How to Work with Business Brokers

Many sellers employ business brokers to manage the details and direction of their sale. Brokerage is particularly common in the metal distributors business-for-sale market, where aggressive selling strategies are the norm. However, your broker will still expect you to materially participate in the sale of your business. Successfully brokered sales are based on solid relationships between brokers and sellers as well as the strict execution of a common selling strategy.

When Is the Right Time to Sell?

Most business owners know when it's time to exit their company. Some experts are telling metal distributors business sellers to put their plans on hold until the economy fully rebounds. At Gaebler, we have a much more optimistic view of your chances in the metal distributors business-for-sale market. With so many sellers holding back, there isn't a lot of inventory out there and you may be able to get a great price for your practice depending on how well you prepare the business and your ability to execute your sale strategy.

Negotiation 101

As a business seller, you have to be at the top of your negotiating game. More often than not, the person with the most knowledge will come out on top in a metal distributors business negotiation. But before you can negotiate effectively, you need to have a clear sense of your minimum sale requirements. If you lack clarity about your goals, you're guaranteed to fall short of achieving of them. Consult with a broker, advisor, or negotiation team to clarify your expectations and devise a negotiation strategy.

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