How to Sell a Niche Market Business

Selling an Energy Services Business

The business-for-sale marketplace has experienced no shortage of uncertainty over the past several years. But energy services businesses haven't been deterred. In fact, we think this economy is a ripe environment for a energy services business sale.

The decision to sell an energy services business is never easy. In addition to the personal enjoyment you received from the business, you probably have concerns about what will happen to the people who made your energy services business a success.

There are many factors involved with the decision to sell a business. Knowledgeable entrepreneurs understand that market timing isn't nearly as important as other factors in a energy services business sale. To improve sale outcomes, you will simply need to tailor your energy services business to today's buyers.

Negotiating Your Sale

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 an energy services 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. If you aren't sure what you need, put negotiations on hold until you gain a clearer understanding of your own deal parameters.

The Best Person to Sell Your Energy Services Business

An unassisted business sale is a double-edged sword. Without a doubt, you have the most at stake in the outcome of your sale. That makes you the most passionate advocate for your energy services business in the business-for-sale marketplace. However, your close connection to your company can also be a drawback. Nearly all sellers have an inflated sense of their company's value. At a minimum, conduct an independent appraisal of the energy services business to gain an objective sense of fair market value.

Preparing Your Energy Services Business for Sale

The outcome of a business sale is largely determined prior to a market listing. Profitable energy services business sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Everything you do to increase market share and profitability has a payoff in the final sale price of your energy services business. 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.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary