Exit Planning Advice By Market
Selling an Auto Information and Referral Services Business
We hear from a lot of business owners who are timid about listing their auto information and referral services business. Despite the mood of the market, we think there are still opportunities to receive a good price for your auto information and referral services business. Here's what you need to know . . .
You won't find any magic formulas for selling an auto information and referral services business, especially while the market is struggling to overcome the perceptions created by a down economy.
The economy hasn't squashed the market for auto information and referral services 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.
Valuation Methods
Professional appraisers can use three methods to determine the value ofan auto information and referral services business: The income method, the asset method and the market method. While the income method uses anticipated revenues as a value basis, the asset method focuses on the company's capital, real estate and intellectual assets. In many sales, the most accurate valuation comes from the market method which determines value based on the recent sales of similar businesses. A good appraiser will often use multiple valuation methods to arrive at a reasonable estimate. Sellers should take note of the fact that all three valuation methods reward businesses that takes steps to increase assets and income.
Selecting a Broker
First-rate business brokers deliver prospects and profits to their clients. In the auto information and referral services business industry, experience is a must-have characteristic for qualified brokerage. 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.
What to Expect in an Auto Information & Referral Services Business Sale
The sale of an auto information and referral services business can be a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you'll be elated at the possibility of moving on the next stage of your life and the next minute you'll be nostalgic about the memories of your time at the helm of your business. Given your personal investment, you may also experience disappointment in the market's assessment of your company's value. You can prepare yourself by talking through your emotions with friends and family members, and thoroughly evaluating your minimum requirements before you put your auto information and referral services business on the market.
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