Optimizing Business Exits

Selling a River Rock Business

Most businesses are susceptible to economic conditions and river rock businesses are no exception. But in some cases, a down economy can actually improve saleability. Now all you have to do is convince the right buyer that your business is built for long-term success.

You need to get a good price for your river rock business. To get there, you'll need to set realistic expectations and follow a deliberate selling strategy.

Nothing lasts forever and you will ultimately be faced with the task of selling your company. As a consequence, you have a substantial stake in knowing how to receive maximum price for your river rock business.

Sale Preparations for Your River Rock Business

The outcome of a business sale is largely determined prior to a market listing. Attractive river rock business sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Branding, market positioning, and revenue growth take time, but they directly influence the price your river rock business will command in the marketplace. But your efforts to improve your company's position and profitability will only be effective if you invest similar effort into the preparation of accurate financial statements for buyers.

Signs You're in Over Your Head

Many river rock business are tempted to save brokerage fees by selling their businesses on their own. Although there are exceptions, solo sales typically take longer and are less productive than brokered sales. As a rule, no business should sit on the market for more than six months without attracting the interest of at least a handful of qualified buyers. Lack of buyer enthusiasm or persistence indicates that something is wrong. The remedy is professional brokerage or a consultation with more experienced sellers.

Turning the Tables: Buyer Concessions

Most river rock business sellers realize they will need to offer concessions to sell their businesses. But for every concession you grant, there may be an opportunity to obtain a concession from the buyer. Although this scenario frequently plays out around seller financed deals, it's possible to push for a higher sales price or other form of compensation if you agree to mentor the buyer for a specified period of time. Asset exclusions, retained ownership shares and long-term contracts with another of the seller's companies can also be leveraged to extract concessions from buyers.

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