Exit Planning Advice By Market
Selling an Airplane Pilot Business
We hear from a lot of business owners who are timid about listing their airplane pilot business. Despite the mood of the market, we think there are still opportunities to receive a good price for your airplane pilot business. Here's what you need to know . . .
The economy isn't the only thing that is uncertain these days. So are airplane pilot business buyers, many of whom are waiting to pull the trigger on their next acquisition.
But the good news is that there is still demand for airplane pilot businesses that present well and offer solid earning potential.
Average Preparation Time
There are no effective shortcuts for selling an airplane pilot business. Since buyers prefer to see evidence of future cash flow, you'll want to to strategically lock in cash flows and increase profits before you list the business. Additionally, prospective buyers usually request documentation that allows them to understand the business's daily workflows and operational strategy. At a minimum, plan on spending six months preparing your airplane pilot business for the marketplace. A more likely scenario is that it will take more than a year to create the conditions necessary to receive the maximum sale price.
Selecting a Broker
First-rate business brokers deliver prospects and profits to their clients. During the selection process, look for brokers with a proven track record of successful airplane pilot business sales. Take our word for it -- airplane pilot businesses are unique businesses and you need a broker who understands how to properly market your airplane pilot business to prospective buyers. As a practical matter, you'll also want to focus your search on brokers who have pre-existing relationships with attorneys, appraisers, and other professionals who can provide assistance at various stages of the process.
When to End Negotiations
If the devil is in the details, the negotiation stage of an airplane pilot business sale is the devil's playground. But sooner or later, someone needs to bring negotiations to a close. Unfortunately, that responsibility often falls on the seller. In an airplane pilot business sale, a stalled negotiation can be an indication that the deal is dead. At this point in the process, an awareness of negotiation parameters really pays off. If the buyer is unwilling to accept your minimum demands, it's time to end negotiations and move on to the next prospect.
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