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Edmonton Business Broker – Key employees, Who Must Stay On?

Buying An Edmonton Business With Key Employees Who Must Stay On….Author Richard Parker

In many small businesses, the owner is often the truly key employee responsible for driving the sales and profits. In fact, a quandary many buyers face is with situations where the owner is “the business” however, there are situations where retaining certain key employees is fundamental to the ongoing success of the business under new ownership.

The first thing a buyer must do is to properly gauge the importance of specific employees. If a business has low level, hourly employees who can easily be replaced, there is no need to get overly concerned about whether or not they will stay. To this point, it is not necessary for a buyer to meet with employees of a company pre-sale if in fact these are basic employees who of course are important, but their departure will not really impact the business.

However, wherever possible, prospective business buyers should endeavor to meet with truly key employees before a sale. This is also important from a standpoint of knowing that the business can never be held hostage by any non-owner. After all, if the business is totally reliant on one key employee, does it really make sense for you to buy it?

Keep in mind that the incidents of employees leaving after a sale are far less frequent than most buyers believe for a few reasons. First, it is change, and the uncertainty thereof that concerns employees. Once they realize that nothing drastic will happen, they will simply carry on with their work. Second, and quite obvious today, jobs are not plentiful. As such, it is simply not that easy for anyone to get another job.

However, what about situations where there are key employees or ones that hold certain licenses for example that a business may need to operate. In these cases, it is important for a buyer to meet these individuals as part of their due diligence review. Yet, they, the buyer, must understand that a seller will almost always buck at this provision and it is understandable. A seller is always going to be concerned about word getting out of a sale and especially if it does not materialize. As such, in these situations, meetings with key employees have to be arranged at the point where all other deal conditions have been satisfied.

Next, the question becomes how can a buyer guarantee that an employee will stay? The short answer is they cannot. Contractually, a seller cannot bind anyone else so forget the idea of including language in a contract whereby a seller agrees that specific employees will sign an employee agreement. While a buyer can certainly have a condition of the deal to provide for certain employee agreements to be executed, this can only be done between the buyer and employee.

What also needs to be considered is whether or not a buyer even wants to be bound by an agreement with any employee. On the one hand, a buyer may want the security of knowing an employee is contractually obligated to remain, but what if they soon discover they want to terminate them? Personally, unless there are highly unique circumstances, my recommendation is that a buyer should defer such agreements and obligations until such time as they (the buyer) has an opportunity to work in the business and effectively measure the so-called key employee’s contribution.

Presented By: Dwight Lester, Performance Business Brokers, Edmonton Alberta

 

Performance Business Brokers – Sign and Graphic Shop for sale

Landon Graphics is a well established sign and graphics company with a strong history in the. Edmonton sign and graphics industry. In business for more than 20 years, Landon graphics has expanded its portfolio to include not only signs but all types of offset and digital printing as well. Digital products range from vehicle wraps, displays, posters, sandwich boards and all types of decals. This company would be an ideal addition for any printing company whether it is offset or digital as they broker a large amount of printing and it would be easy to allocate that portion of business in house to the printing Company.

Their creative department is staffed by talented designers who are able to handle any size project. From the development of a company logo it is common for Landon Graphics to expand that logo development to produce everything from business cards, invoices, flyers, vehicle graphics and backlit storefront signage. Their customers appreciate that they are a true one stop shop that can take care of all advertizing needs.

Another service they offer is screen printing. A valuable and profitable part of the business, this service is also utilized by other sign shops that don’t have this capability.

Landon Graphics has never had to advertise or market the company as the majority of their growth resulted from referrals. There is room to grow the business through advertising or marketing that currently isn’t done. The facility is large enough to allow for all types of expansion. Another positive this business has going for it is the location. They are on one of the major thoroughfares through the city and receive a lot of exposure that way.

The bulk of their customer base is located in the Edmonton area and includes a wide variety of businesses. However their customers are not limited to the Edmonton area or even Alberta, with regular clients from Vancouver, Ontario and a number in the far north which is booming much like Alberta. Regardless of size they have built their business based on expertise and service.  A good portion of their clientele comes from the trucking industry with a number of the largest trucking companies in the area and in the north utilizing the services Landon Graphics has to offer.

Included in the purchase price is $ 68,000 worth of furniture, fixtures, computers and sign making equipment. Also included in the purchase price is $ 27,000 worth of inventory and sign making supplies.

 No specific sign industry experience is necessary to acquire this business. This business has a strong base of long term, experienced and reliable employees. The partners would be willing to stay on for a training period after the sale which would be open to negotiate. ln addition, if desired, one of the partners would be willing to continue as an employee on a part time basis.

You can view some of Landon Graphics work on their website at:

http://www.landongraphics.ca/index.html

 

For more information on this great business contact Dwight Lester at 780-756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca

Performance Business Brokers – Home Renovation Company For Sale

For 12 years this family-owned company has provided high-quality general contractor services that cover the full spectrum of home renovations from foundation work to roof installations as well as exterior landscaping.

Its employees have a complete set of skilled trades consisting of carpentry, masonry, tiling and painting, enabling it to provide a reputable, worry-free service to its many repeat client home and commercial projects. They specialize in interior renovations such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements and they also do additions. On the landscape side they do decks, fences, paving stone walkways, patios, driveway, retaining walls, water features and planting.. The operations are run out of a home office in west Edmonton, but can be easily relocated to somewhere else.

The renovation business is a booming industry with growth areas like condo, sustainable, and “Age in Place” senior customer markets. The owner is looking to move to Calgary for family reasons but is willing to stay on for a mutually agreeable transition period. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with previous experience in the general contracting trades, renovation or building industry, and who wants to become independent by taking over a well-established service-oriented business. It is also interesting for an established construction business to expand its capabilities in high-end residential renovation work and take over a loyal client base.

The company has over $600,000 of business already booked for Spring 2012.

Fixtures, Furniture & Equipment are a fair market value estimate as provided by the owner. A small amount of inventory is included. Cash Flow includes owner’s remuneration.

 This business has a strong base of long term, experienced and reliable employees

For more information on this great business contact Dwight Lester at 780-756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca

Edmonton Business Broker – Tip of the Day

Buy a Business – Asset Purchase vs. Stock Purchase

Buying a business, especially if it is your first time, can be overwhelming. Will you purchase the assets of the business, or its stock? Which is more beneficial for you? There is no clear-cut answer to this question as it really depends on your circumstances.

In an asset purchase, you buy the company’s assets – furniture, vehicles, equipment, inventory, etc. The shares of stocks remain with the seller. In a stock purchase, you are buying everything the seller owns – stocks, assets and liabilities. You take over as the new owner of the business.

Should You Buy Assets or Stock When Buying a Business?

It is worthwhile to seek the services of a corporate lawyer and an accountant before buying a business. They can advise you on what is the best purchase option for you.

If a business for sale is doing well, you can opt for a stock purchase. However, if the business isn’t profitable, a stock purchase may not be the best option because you may be assuming its liabilities. Find out why the business is being sold.

If you want to build your own company, go ahead with an asset purchase. Before doing so, conduct thorough due diligence. Choose the assets you want to acquire, and the liabilities you intend to assume.

Two key factors – liabilities and depreciation – could determine which is the better option for you. When you purchase company stock, you also assume all its liabilities – disclosed or unknown. A seller may not be forthright about all the liabilities during negotiations. You could have also missed uncovering these liabilities during due diligence. In an asset purchase, you can avoid most of the liabilities. You are responsible only for those identified in the purchase agreement.

Depreciation is the process of deducting a portion of the cost of an asset from the income each year. In a stock purchase, you, as the new asset owner, will just continue deducting depreciation as the previous owner did. In an asset sale, though, the tax law allows you to depreciate the entire purchase price.

Asset Purchase vs. Stock Purchase: Advantages & Disadvantages

  1. In an asset purchase, the assets and liabilities are recorded at fair market value. You can claim the fair market value of tangible assets for depreciation, which results in lower taxes. In a stock purchase, the assets and liabilities are carried over and depreciated as before the purchase.
  2. You acquire the entire business, including all assets and liabilities when you purchase the company’s stock. In an asset purchase, you assume some of the liabilities. You can also choose the useful assets you want for your new company.
  3. An asset purchase may require more documentation. The transfer of ownership of the assets, liabilities and related contracts may need to be filed with the appropriate government agencies. This is not a requirement in a stock transaction. A stock purchase is easier and cheaper to implement, especially if the company only has a few shareholders.

In a stock purchase, you inherit the contracts, permits and licenses. In an asset purchase, you need to file or register for these with the appropriate agencies.

  1. There is no problem with minority shareholders who refuse to sell in an asset transaction. Multiple shareholders could block a buyer’s desire to own 100% of the company in a stock purchase.
  2. You may need to pay for sales or transfer taxes on the sale of assets. A stock transaction avoids some of these taxes.

Buying a business is complicated in itself. Each business purchase transaction is unique. Obtaining professional legal and accounting assistance is a must for a successful business acquisition. As a business buyer, which purchase option is better for you?

Brought to you by: Dwight Lester, Performance Business Broker, Edmonton Alberta

 

Edmonton Business Broker – Tip of the Day

Share Sale vs Asset Sale

When buying an existing business you may have the option of either purchasing the shares of the business or the assets of the business. If you purchase the shares of the business, you inherit the debts and liabilities of the business at that time. You also have an exposure to any debts and liabilities which may arise in the future (even if they relate to events before the shares were acquired).

If you are purchasing shares in the company it may be prudent to negotiate a legal indemnity with the vendor to cover any debts which may arise.

Performance Business Brokers has experience in negotiating the sale of small to medium businesses. We understand the commercial considerations of different sale options, and can advise business owners on the most appropriate structure.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your business.

Presented by Dwight Lester, Performance Business Brokers

Edmonton Business Brokers – Business For Sale

Performance Business Brokers Presents:

A great opportunity to buy an established growing business in Bonnyville has just been listed for sale.

This Spa Company is a full retail outlet that sells, installs and repairs the top brand names in the hot tub industry at great prices. They also sell outdoor structures, Steam Showers, and cedar accessories.  For your indoor enjoyment they also retail pool tables and games room furniture and furnishings.

The Spas are made locally in Throsby Alberta and are made to handle the worst our cold climate can throw at them due to superior engineering. The tubs are 33% more efficient to run than any tub in the market.
This Spa Company has been in business since 2005 and has shown profitable growth every year. The store is located on the busiest corner in Bonnyville giving it excellent exposure.
You can view their Web Site at: www.arcticspasbonnyville.com
Bonnyville is the centre of oil field activity and is expanding rapidly. Due to the influx of people there are ample opportunities for growth in the above mentioned product lines.
The Town of Bonnyville is located in northeastern Alberta, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from the provincial capital of Edmonton. The Town\’s motto – “it’s Multi-Natural” – refers to the town\’s celebration of its diverse cultural heritage and rich natural resources.
The economy is growing and expanding faster that the provincial average creating employment opportunities in construction, oil and gas, as well as retail sales. As a major service area, the Town serves more than 10,000 people. The Bonnyville market area is strong with a population of 27,000 within 30 minutes driving time, 49,500 within 60 minutes, and 56,500 within 90 minutes. Bonnyville is the HUB for the oil and gas industry with over 60 national and international companies setting up head offices within the Town.
Additional community information can be viewed at: www.town.bonnyville.ab.ca
This business can also be purchased with a complementing business that operates out of the same building. Please see our Purified Water Store listing as well.
For full information, please email us today at info@performancebb.ca or call Dwight Lester at 780-756-2990.

Performance Business Brokers – Selling Businesses is our ONLY Business – Video

Performance Business Brokers – Business For Sale

Great Opportunity to own a thriving business in Grassland Alberta!!! Wally’s Fast Food Burger Restaurant is for sale!!

If you have traveled up Highway 63 to Fort McMurray you will have probably stopped at Wally’s Fast Food for one of Wally’s famous burgers and fries. Wally’s is the last stop before travelling another couple of hours to Fort McMurray and the first stop traveling out of Fort McMurray. This place is a gold mine situated right on the highway.

Wally is looking to retire and is selling this super busy Quick Food Burger Restaurant.

This burger restaurant offers their customers the freshest burger around, with additional items for the “non-burger” customers. Well known Hamburgers established to eat in or takeout. Wally’s restaurant in Grassland Alberta specializes in fresh burgers, hand cut fries and the freshest ingredients. The kitchen facilities include a 12ft hood fan, 2 deep fryers, pizza ovens and walk-in fridges and freezers and much much more restaurant equipment. Easy counter service operation, fully equipped. The restaurant is 2400 sq.ft. with seating inside for 30 customers. This is a turn- key operation in an outstanding location with the opportunity to expand. The building and land is available for sale if desired.

Repeat customers, walk-ins, local and tourists are the many happy clients Wally servers with great reviews. One such review from Urban Spoon reads:

“This is “the” place to stop on your way to or from Fort McMurray. This is your classic family style burger joint and they do what they do very well.
Three of us stopped in and grabbed a few things. The smell of fresh beef on the griddle and fries bubbling away in clean hot oil was a welcome treat. The shakes were amazing and the onion rings as good as any diner that makes them well. The fries appeared to be fresh cut which is always a plus. The burgers were great. I’m not a mushroom burger fan but my buddy who is raved about it. I got the Wally burger, the house special that boasts 2 huge patties and the works. It was massive but I proudly & happily powered through. Next time through Grasslands I’m definitely stopping back in. “

Check out Wally’s other reviews on Yelp and Urban Spoon.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/72/1602243/restaurant/Alberta/Outside-Edmonton/Wallys-Fast-Food-Restaurant-Grassland
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/wallys-fastfood-grassland

For more information, please contact Dwight Lester at Dwight@performancebb.ca or call us today at 780-756-2990, http://www.performancebusinessbrokers.ca/

Performance Business Broker – Video – Selling Businesses is our ONLY Business

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