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I want to sell my business now… How do I know if the time is right?

We have received calls from numerous business owners that were planning to go to Market within the next six months, asking what they should do now. They want to know: Is now the time to go to Market? What type of Buyers are we seeing? What should business owners do if they are nearing the right time for a transition and they don’t want to wait?

It may be the right time to start the process of selling your business, or it may not be – it all depends on the business itself, the industry, and a variety of other factors. Daily, we are speaking to Buyers looking for a good fit. Many are Private Equity firms – either directly or through their portfolio companies. We are also seeing Strategic Buyers looking for a “deal,” Private “cash” Buyers who are afraid they missed an opportunity to own their own business, and Family Business Offices looking for that fit that they can hold long-term.

If you have a unique business that has been insulated from the downturn, you will look like a “diamond in the rough” to a variety of Buyers. If you can demonstrate that this downturn is a blip in the economy and that you will be back to normal revenues and profits in fairly short order, you will get Buyers’ attention. If you need to sell now, there are always Buyers looking for a “deal.”

Our advice – if your business continues to do well and the future looks good, now is the time to shine. There is not as much competition from other Sellers, so Buyers have more time to focus on good businesses and plans for growing them.  

Now that you have taken care of some of the business basics, what should you do now if you are in a position to transition soon?

1) Clean up the books and records, know what third-party consents you will need, and look into other “Deal Killers” such as forgotten agreements or verbal commitments to employees, landlords, key customers, vendors, the terms of loans or leases, etc.

2) Be able to articulate how your business has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and the company’s plan to be successful into the future. 

3) Talk to your Financial Advisor and discuss a realistic model showing how much cash you will need to have the lifestyle you want. This exercise may help you decide “how much is enough” and ultimately help you decide if now is the right time.

4) Consider how, when, and what you want to say to those who will be affected by the impending business transition. This includes family, friends, associates, employees, etc.

5) Talk to Business Brokers, get an estimate of value for your business, and be realistic – don’t hear what you want to hear – ask yourself, “What would I pay for this company if I was buying it today?”

6) Spend time with your Investment Banker/Broker to ensure they understand your goals for a transaction. Use their experience to help you “spruce up” the company to appeal to the largest group of Buyers. Ensure they communicate with your inner circle of professionals: Attorneys, CPA’s, Shareholders/Stakeholders, and other Advisors who have a vested interest in the best outcome for you and your business. This upfront investment of time will pay dividends throughout the process.  

Contact Performance Business Brokers for your buying or selling needs
info@performancebb.ca

What Is Due Diligence and Why Is it important?

Essentially, due diligence is a thorough investigation which will be carried out by a prospective purchaser prior to signing a purchase agreement, but after a formal offer has been presented and accepted. Due diligence is an integral part of the purchasing process and is important that both sellers and perchasers know what this process is for and what it entails.

The main question the buyer wants answering is, ‘is this business worth what I am paying?’ Thus, the financial position of the business will be thoroughly reviewed in order to verify the information you have provided is accurate and representative of the business’ performance. As part of this, the assets, liabilities, cash flow and general financial management of the business will be analysed amongst other financial aspects. However, it does stop there.

Due diligence is a comprehensive process and also typically involves an examination of the legal structure of the business including its position regarding property, assets, staff and will flag any potential litigation being brought against the company. Wider environmental, sector and competitor research will also be undertaken if applicable.

As a seller, you may be frustrated if the process takes longer than you would like, or you feel worried or anxious about the whole process. Keep in mind that due diligence is a vital step in the buying and selling process, and take comfort in the fact that this kind of in-depth examination of your business shows the potential purchaser is serious about purchasing.

It is in your best interest to remain patient throughout and respond to any questions or requests in a timely and honest manner. Withholding information or being generally difficult may come across as though you have something to hide, which will not only prolong the due diligence process further, but may also harm your chances of completing the deal.
It is highly unlikely you will find a buyer who does not want to conduct due diligence on your business, therefore, it is advisable that you prepare for this process. Completing your own due diligence prior to putting your business up for sale can pay dividends in the long-term.

Putting yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and completing your own due diligence on your business can help you to uncover any weaknesses in the business giving you the chance to improve on these before selling, thereby maximising the price you are able to recieve. The report produced as part of this process can act as a useful document for prospective buyers.

A Performance Business Broker will be able to help you prepare your business for sale, including undertaking due diligence, and will be there to guide you through the entire process through to completion.

Contact us today to start the discussion on selling your business. info@performancebb.ca

When is the right time to sell my business?

This is a question which does not have a one size fits all answer. That is because each business is different and each business owner is different. For some, deciding to sell is decided due to the financials, for others it is a much more personal desire which drives them.

The financials are important; for most, the desire to make money is the very reason they set up their business in the first place. With this in mind, it therefore makes sense to sell your business when it is riding high if you want to achieve the best price for it; it goes without saying that a profitable business is a more desirable one in the eyes of potential buyers.

A business with falling profits is unlikely to be as desirable, and furthermore, those who are interested in purchasing this type of business will be looking to negotiate hard when it comes to price.

There are also reasons beyond the financial that may see you considering selling your business. Life events such as divorce or the death of a business partner may force your hand. Other personal reasons such as stress and the day to day running of the company becoming too much for you to want to deal with anymore are also compelling reasons. If this is where you are, then the timing is more about selling up at a time which is the best for you and your current situation. While getting a good price is still a main objective, the financials may need to take a back seat and become secondary to the necessity to sell.

When it comes to getting the best price, timing is everything. The problem with this is that it is very difficult to predict with absolute certainty the future and what it holds for your business. However there are certain trends you can be on the lookout for regarding both your business and the sector you are a part of as a whole. It is also easier to sell when the overall financial market is healthy and obtaining finance a relatively easy proposition.

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee… And Opportunity!

Performance Business Brokers Presents – This new hip specialty coffee shop in a high traffic location is serving the best espresso drinks in Edmonton at this time. Using a premium international coffee brand, they offer 11 different blend options of espresso and have created their own exclusive specialty drinks.

The cafe is fully equipped, tastefully decorated and is also staffed by a loyal and fun team of one full-time staff and two casual staff supporting its owner-operator running the show!

The cafe prides itself on serving to its devoted patrons the very best mouth-watering food, with that home-cooked touch. a light menu covering breakfast, soups and sandwiches for lunch and fine pastries for the time in between, all complemented with an easy-going modern atmosphere that adds to the overall experience.

This location and model has been built to be franchised if the new owner choices to do so.  Everything is in place to move forward into a franchisable business.

So, do not wait and contact us today for more details!  Dwight Lester 780-756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca

Wig & Hair Extension Retail Store

Performance Business Brokers Presents – $300,000

This well established hair extension and wig store is located in the busiest area of Edmonton.  Foot traffic is extremely high and many customers are repeat customers. The store has been open for over ten years and has great repeat business.

Staffed with 3FT and 2 PT the store can be owner operated or run at arms length. The stores current lease runs for another 6 year under favorable terms. This is a turn key operation.

Purchase price is $300K includes inventory of $100K

For complete information contact Dwight Lester, 780-756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca

Sale Reason: Health and Owner moving out of province

Price Reduced – Brand New Nail Salon For Sale

Performance Business Brokers Presents – A brand new Nail Salon in Sherwood Park is for sale.  Just opened 8 months ago available for immediate sale.  100% turnkey business comes complete with 6 Nail stations, 6 pedicures chairs, Wax / Massage room with all the equipment, Washer and Dryer, many fixtures of gel and polish.  All equipment, supplies, tools, furniture and fixtures included.

Located in a prime newly built Sherwood Park location, Excellent opportunity for owner/operator. Excellent reputation in the area and customers love coming here.  Can accommodate up to 12 Nail Technicians.

Contact Dwight Lester at 780-756-2990 or via email at info@performancebb.ca

UPS STORE IN EDMONTON

The number 3 producing UPS store in Edmonton is for sale. The Business is supported by a well recognized name brand business which supports commercial and neighborhood businesses with copying and digital printing solutions, document services, shipping options, full-service packaging, or mailboxes services.

The UPS store franchisees which will provide professional training and support for the new owners with a network of over 340 other locations across Canada.

Priced well below what a new location would cost with income being generated from day one. Enjoy the enormous strength limitless potential of solid industry name brand recognition with great lease and location and term. Price includes all lease holds, inventory and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Please contact Dwight Lester (780) 756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca find out how easy it is become an owner of this great opportunity.

SOLD – Edmonton Furniture Store for Sale

This is a well-known high-end furniture store with a long time base of clients. It sells middle to high end contemporary and traditional style furniture. The store is known for the high quality of its products. Most of the inventory is made in Canada with a bit imported from the USA.

The Company has been in business over twenty years with current owners in place since 1997. The owners are retiring and want to sell. There is a full complement of staff in place that have been with the business for many years.

There is room to increase profits through updating/modernizing the back office procedures.

The year-end of 2014 shows the highest revenue ever for the business. This is not a shrinking business. Current 2015 shows the business tracking even better than 2014.

Inventory is also available at owners cost.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Call or email today, Dwight Lester, 780-756-2990 or info@performancebb.ca .

SOLD – Licensed Massage Training School For Sale

For the past 14 years the company for sale has been providing massage training under a private vocational school license issued by the Province of Alberta.

The school operates in multiple locations throughout the province.  Due to being licensed already with the province additional programs can be offered leading to certificates or diplomas.

Graduates are trained to meet therapeutic needs of the Clients and the requirements of their Group Insurance Companies.

As a leader among massage therapy schools in Alberta, they pride themselves in teaching our graduates how to be successful in the workplace. The instructors are all practicing therapists in the communities in which they teach. They are committed to passing on their knowledge, as well as the practical skills they have honed in their many years of practice.

The school offers two programs in Massage; Swedish Relaxation (900 hours), and Massage Therapy (1300 hours).

This allows for a total of 2200 hours, which is the standard generally accepted across Canada.

The courses offered are part time in class and part time home study, with online support and access to the instructors during the time away from class. This allows for the students to have more control over which hours they study, and consequently to fit the course into their present lifestyle.

The current owner is looking to retire but will remain on and work with the new owner on a day by day basis to ensure a smooth transition.

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

Very Well Equipped Machine Shop For Sale

This well-regarded Edmonton based Company specializes in the development and manufacture of parts and components, precision CNC Machining services and Repair Solutions.  Their products are used by a variety of industries and sectors. The Company’s customer base of loyal customers are primarily located in Alberta, however they do serve some international markets.

The Company has a great reputation for comprehensive equipment capabilities, value-added services and a staunch focus on customer service; which, results in excellent customer relationships and high rate of repeat business. Significant growth potential exists via more aggressive business development efforts, expanded service offerings, as well as geographic expansion.

The Company prides itself on its ability to produce custom precision products to meet exacting specifications. This competency has allowed the company to develop long term customer relationships, leading to repeat and referral business.

This dynamic and forward thinking company has consistently invested in new equipment. It offers its customers the best manufacturing technologies and service; ensuring demanding standards of quality are achieved.

Given its robust equipment, which has been appraised at over $ 2 million, the Company has additional capacity available throughout their large shop.  With close to 20 employees no project is too big to be handled. The only limitation is the 10 Ton crane.

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