How to Sell a Business

Training New Owners After Selling a Business

Training new business owners after selling a business may seem like something you can put on your back burner. However, it turns out it can be very important.

When you sell your business, it's common practice to provide training for the new owner.

But what does new owner training involve? What are your responsibilities? And how long will you will be "on the hook" after the deal has closed?

The whole idea of training the new owner of your business sounds a little ridiculous. After all, why would someone by a business they aren't capable of operating? But in reality, people with limited training and experience regularly invest their life savings in small businesses. They probably have experience in either the industry or business management aspects, but maybe not both. Seller training gives them a crash course in their area of weakness and prepares them for the real world challenges of running the company on their own.

Sellers aren't automatically required to provide training for buyers. If you are dead set against it, you could walk away free and clear after closing. In practice, however, many buyers require training as a condition of sale. Even buyers with industry and management experience will probably want a little overlap so they can understand existing company policies, procedures, and relationships with vendors.

Training Period Duration

The duration of the training period varies from one situation to the next. Not surprisingly, buyers often push for a longer training period while sellers are interested in minimizing the amount of time they will be forced to invest in a business they no longer own.\

Sufficient training for a relatively uncomplicated business (Mom and Pop establishments) could be accomplished in a matter of day, but training for most businesses last in the one to two month range. If the buyer still isn't comfortable after a month or two, sellers could stay longer - but should be compensated for their ongoing time and effort.

Training Content

There is no set rule of thumb that describes what buyer training should cover. To a large extent, the content will be dictated by the buyer's questions and shortcomings. It's always a good idea to sit down with the buyer and lay out a plan before the training begins, even if it is something as simple as shadowing the owner for a few hours each day throughout the training period.

Nervous buyers need to understand that the seller's job is not to provide free labor or surrogate leadership for the organization. Instead, the seller's role is to equip the buyer with the information he needs to run the company. Sooner rather than later the buyer will need to step up to the plate and lead without the safety net of the seller's presence.

Sales Contract

Training period details should be carefully outlined in the sales contract. The specifics described in the contract should include the length of the training period, a general statement about the content of the training, and the consequences of the seller's failure to meet training requirements. Remember: Everything is negotiable, so if you aren't comfortable with the buyer's request don't sign the sales contract until you've reached an agreement everyone can live with.

Share this article

Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary