The economy is on a steady upward trajectory, and that has benefited your margins. There are certainly challenges to starting and growing a company. Pushing past the high-risk start-up period and navigating the tough terrain, your business has evolved. Long hours and perseverance to grow your business has paid-off. So, why consider an exit now? There are many factors that go into a decision to sell, merge or divest. Here are a few reasons that may resonate:
* Retirement Age
* No family successor
* The “burn-out’ feeling
* Board/Management tensions
* Illness
Options are a Good Thing
There are many factors to consider. From a sales transaction perspective, Minnesota is a seller’s market. Recent market estimates have determined there are over 100,000 businesses in the state of Minnesota. National associations forecast that one out of every two companies will change ownership in its lifetime. Do you have the time to prepare for a sale of your company? What about merging with a competitor? On the surface, these are very big questions to answer and will require time, market research, and discretion. The good news is that there is an alternative to doing it alone, consider working with a licensed broker. A professional brokerage firm provides market experts that assist with:
* Company valuation
* Provide Large Buyer Network
* Confidential Buyer Solicitations
* Exit Planning
* Coordinate Financing
What’s Next
Before you consider a business for sale remembers, this could be the single most important decision you make with significant financial consequences. Licensed brokers perform a valuation of your company and work with your accountants and legal advisor to prepare the company for a sales transaction. Do you have property attached to your business for sale? Minnesota has licensed brokers that can handle both the sale of property and the business. A brokerage firm is staffed with experts in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and in some cases can provide financial options. The most important benefits to working with professionals include high-level of confidentiality along with a larger network of potential buyers.
Exit Stage Left
When determining your exit, there are many options to consider. Liquidating your company assets is certainly one, but why leave money on the table? Mitigating the terrain ahead may feel bumpy, but it doesn’t have to be. Your employees, colleagues, and family have always counted on you. Planning an exit strategy requires careful and confidential consideration. You can count on a team of partners to provide knowledge, access and guidance as you consider the biggest decision of your career.
