Exit Planning Advice By Market
Selling an Animal Assisted Therapy Practice
Is the economy still a little shaky for a business sale? Sure it is. Yet animal assisted therapy practices continue to sell at a brisk pace, regardless of the economy.
The business-for-sale market is just as frustrating for buyers as it is for sellers these days. Although there are plenty of entrepreneurs who want to buy an animal assisted therapy practice, capital restrictions are holding them back.
At Gaebler, we're seeing animal assisted therapy practice sellers succeed by applying sound sales principles combined with a refusal to be intimidated by a down economy.
Family Issues
Many sellers embarked on their animal assisted therapy practice sale without adequately considering the impact it will have on their families. In many cases, we find that even though business owners are equipped to handle their ownership exit, their family members are having a hard time letting go of the business, especially if family life has revolved around the demands of the animal assisted therapy practice. As a seller, you need to be sensitive to your family's feelings about the sale and make an effort to keep them informed about the process. Subsequently, selling an animal assisted therapy practice has to include ample communication and shared decision-making.
Why Confidentiality Matters
Highly publicized animal assisted therapy practice sales are risky animal assisted therapy practicesales. A low-key selling strategy is a low risk activity because you can control who does (and doesn't) know that your business is on the market. When and if your sale becomes public knowledge, competitors can use that information to weaken your position in the marketplace. Although it can be difficult, it's important to strike a balance between confidentiality and sale promotion. If confidentiality is important to you (and it should be), your best bet is to consult with a professional business broker about maintaining a confidential animal assisted therapy practice sale.
Professional Appraisals
An experienced appraiser is part and parcel of a successful animal assisted therapy practice sale. Leading industry appraisers equip sellers with a value gauge that can be accessed during negotiations. If you're disappointed with the appraiser's estimate of your company's worth, you have the option of seeking a second opinion. However, it's more often the case that you will need to adjust your expectations of your business's value to buyers.
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