Mergers & Acquisitions

“If you're selling a business, I highly recommend Morgan & Westfield because they make it look so easy. You wonder how they're doing it.”

Harry Friedman

We are an M&A firm specializing in selling companies with revenues up to $100 million, having sold businesses in over a hundred industries in the United States and Canada.

“If you're selling a business, I highly recommend Morgan & Westfield because they make it look so easy. You wonder how they're doing it.”

Harry Friedman

An M&A Firm with a difference.
Just ask these Entrepreneurs…

No Contracts Required

Unlike others in the industry, with Morgan & Westfield, there are no long-term contracts or commitments.

Your Confidentiality is Assured

We understand confidentiality and security are important to you. We work with you to maintain strict confidentiality each step of the way.

100% Transparency

We are your partners throughout the process. We have designed our fee structure and process to be as transparent as possible.

The Proprietary Morgan & Westfield 4-Step Method

Our M&A approach is tailored to your needs using our proprietary 4-step process.

Step 1: Assess

Valuation, Normalized Financials, Sales Strategy, Exit Plan, Phone Review

Step 2: Prepare

Information Memorandum, Teaser, Phone Interview, Financing Pre-Qualification, Financial Assessment

Step 3: Market

Confidential Marketing Strategy, Screening, Negotiating

Step 4: Close

Negotiations, Offer, Due Diligence, and Closing

Real Stories from Real Clients

Sold How to Sell Your Business to the Right Buyer at the Right Price

Industry: Retail

Region: Midwest

Sold Keeping Your Financials In Order: This is Why it’s Important in Selling Your Business

Industry: Retail

Region: Midwest

Sold Miracle Method Done Deal

Industry: Services

Region: South Central

Sold New Miracle Method Owner Shares Tips in Selling Your Business Fast

Industry: Services

Region: West Coast

Sold Preparation: Key to Selling Your Business Fast

Industry: Automotive

Region: Mid-Atlantic

Sold This Is How You Sell A Business From 100 Miles

Industry: Services

Region: Midwest

Sold This Seller Found The Right Buyer In 4 Days, But Took 1 Year To Close The Deal. Here’s Why.

Industry: Services

Region: New England

Sold This Will Make You Sell Your Business in Tough Times

Industry: Services

Region: South Central

Sold Why Selling a Business Is More Than Just Finding a Buyer

Industry: Health Care

Region: Southwest

Morgan & Westfield: The M&A Firm Trusted by Hundreds of Entrepreneurs

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After investing your blood, sweat, and tears into an enterprise that has provided for you, your family and your employees, the moment has finally come for you to start a new chapter in your life.

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Browse our free resources below.

The Complete Guide to Selling a Business: A Roadmap to the Successful Sale of Your Business

The Art of the Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business

Written by Jacob Orosz, Founder of Morgan & Westfield

Less than a third of businesses on the market actually change hands. So what does this mean for you? Think about it — with a significant amount of your wealth tied up in your business, planning your exit is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The Art of the Exit contains winning strategies I’ve learned from 20 years in the trenches selling businesses. This definitive guide is broken down into 10 simple steps from preparing your business for sale to orchestrating the closing.

“M&A Talk” Podcast

The #1 Mergers & Acquisitions Podcast in the World | Hosted by Jacob Orosz, President of Morgan & Westfield

At M&A Talk, you will learn from our exclusive interviews with experts in business sales, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, law, corporate finance, investment banking and more.

An Expert Negotiator’s Perspectives on Selling Your Business

An Expert Negotiator’s Perspectives on Selling Your Business

Corey Kupfer

Entrepreneur | Author

Should You Consider an ESOP When Selling Your Business?

Should You Consider an ESOP When Selling Your Business?

Daniel Cooper

ESOPS | Business Valuation

Eight Key Elements to Creating Business Value

Eight Key Elements to Creating Business Value

Jonathan Wilson

Business Valuation

The Basic Mechanics of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

The Basic Mechanics of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

David Blauzvern & Jordan Burg

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)

The Human Side of M&A Law

The Human Side of M&A Law

Matt Saur

M&A Law

Using Outsourced Corporate Development to Grow

Using Outsourced Corporate Development to Grow

Ryan Goral

Corporate Development

An Introduction to Corporate Carve-Outs

An Introduction to Corporate Carve-Outs

Eric Jones

Divestitures | Corporate Carve-Outs

Virtual and Augmented Reality M&A

Virtual and Augmented Reality M&A

Jeff Meisner

Technology M&A

Behind the Scenes of Private Equity with Jim Evanger & Brent Paris

Behind the Scenes of Private Equity with Jim Evanger & Brent Paris

Jim Evanger and Brent Paris

Private Equity

The Not-for-Sale Marketplace

The Not-for-Sale Marketplace

John Dearing

Acquisitions, Corporate Development

The Highs and Lows of Growing A Business Through Acquisitions

The Highs and Lows of Growing A Business Through Acquisitions

Orrin Klopper

Corporate Development & Acquisitions | IT Management Services

The Basics of Independent Sponsors

The Basics of Independent Sponsors

John Koeppel

M&A Law | Private Equity

Tips for Hiring an Interim CEO

Tips for Hiring an Interim CEO

Jim Evanger

PE Operating Partner, Interim CEO

HR Tech M&A with Jim Holzer

HR Tech M&A with Jim Holzer

Jim Holzer

Technology M&A

Lessons Learned from $0 to $441 Million

Lessons Learned from $0 to $441 Million

Gustavo Ruiz Moya

Founder of SafetyPay

Cooking the Books

Cooking the Books

Bill Wiersema

M&A Financial Due Diligence

From Bankruptcy to a $441 Million Exit

From Bankruptcy to a $441 Million Exit

Greg Knight

Entrepreneur

Scaling and Exiting Multiple Tech Companies

Scaling and Exiting Multiple Tech Companies

Ryan Buckley

Cross-Border M&A Transactions

Cross-Border M&A Transactions

Amit Thakur

Cross-Border M&A

Lessons Learned from a $200 Million+ Exit

Lessons Learned from a $200 Million+ Exit

Benjamin Antier

Entrepreneur

The Private Equity Toolkit

The Private Equity Toolkit

Michael W. Roher

Private Equity

The Hunter vs. The Hunted in M&A – A View From Both Sides

The Hunter vs. The Hunted in M&A – A View From Both Sides

Jim Evanger

Private Equity

M&A Operational Due Diligence

M&A Operational Due Diligence

Vadim M. Tsysin, CPA

Due Diligence

Lessons Learned on Selling a Business After Dozens of Exits

Lessons Learned on Selling a Business After Dozens of Exits

Russell Iorio

Corporate Development, Divestitures

Mid-Market Integration

Mid-Market Integration

Tony Benedict

Integration

Why Half of Acquisitions Fail

Why Half of Acquisitions Fail

Mark Sirower

Acquisitions | Synergies

A Look Inside the Head of a Strategic Buyer

A Look Inside the Head of a Strategic Buyer

Charlie Burckmyer

Corporate Development, Strategic Acquirer

Business Exit Strategy Basics

Business Exit Strategy Basics

Wendy Dickinson

Exit Planning

Making Acquisitions with Public Equity

Making Acquisitions with Public Equity

Irving Kau

M&A, IPOs, VC, PE

What is Growth Equity

What is Growth Equity

Richard Luftig

Private Equity, Investment Banking

The Basics of Private Equity

The Basics of Private Equity

Jeff Hooke

Investment Banker | Private Equity

M&A Integration

M&A Integration

Amira elAdawi

M&A Integration

Lessons Learned from 50 Acquisitions as a Serial Entrepreneur

Lessons Learned from 50 Acquisitions as a Serial Entrepreneur

Arturo Henriquez

Serial Entrepreneur

Tech M&A

Tech M&A

Barr Blanton

Tech M&A | Due Diligence

Financial Due Diligence

Financial Due Diligence

Helana Robbins Huddleston

CPA | Financial Due Diligence

Reps & Warranties Insurance

Reps & Warranties Insurance

T.J. Noonan

Reps & Warranties Insurance

The M&A Integration Process

The M&A Integration Process

Jeff Muench

M&A Integration

Jeff Wald, Founder of WorkMarket, on a $100 Million+ Exit

Jeff Wald, Founder of WorkMarket, on a $100 Million+ Exit

Jeff Wald

Founder of WorkMarket | Serial Entrepreneur | Author

M&A Law

M&A Law

JR Lanis

M&A and Securities Lawyer | Corporate Governance | FinTech

M&A as an Attorney, I-Banker, Buyer, and Target

M&A as an Attorney, I-Banker, Buyer, and Target

Michael Frankel

M&A Attorney | Investment Banker | Strategic Buyer | Board Advisor

The Future of M&A Strategy

The Future of M&A Strategy

Raghav Ranjan

M&A Strategy | Advisor to Industrial and Private Equity Firms

Jon Taylor, Author of Maximize Your Multiple

Jon Taylor, Author of Maximize Your Multiple

Jon Taylor

Investment Banker | Author of "Maximize Your Multiple"

Jonathan Brabrand, Author of the $100 Million Exit

Jonathan Brabrand, Author of the $100 Million Exit

Jonathan Brabrand

M&A Advisor | Author "The $100 Million Exit"

M&A Perspective as a Corporate Acquirer and PE Firm

M&A Perspective as a Corporate Acquirer and PE Firm

Joan De la Paz Hellmer

Private Equity | M&A Advisor

The Acquisition Process

The Acquisition Process

Brian McCabe

VP of M&A for Allied Universal, an $18 Billion Company

Cannabis M&A

Cannabis M&A

Charles Alovisetti

M&A Attorney | Author of "The Cannabis Business"

IPOs, Private Equity, and Preparing for the Sale

IPOs, Private Equity, and Preparing for the Sale

Jay Wright

Investment Banker | Author

Upper Middle-Market M&A

Upper Middle-Market M&A

Robert Brighton

M&A Attorney (Upper Middle-Market)

“Mergers & Acquisitions Library”

Written by Jacob Orosz, Founder of Morgan & Westfield
The most exhaustive encyclopedia in the industry with over 800 pages of insight on every step of the M&A process.

Selling a business is ranked as one of the most stressful events in an entrepreneur’s life, somewhere below doing jail time and above getting into debt beyond your means. Why? Because the process often brings with it setbacks, frustrations, and major disappointments. Imagine working on the largest transaction of your...

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How long will it take to sell my business? That’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. And, hey, we get it. Once you decide to put your blood, sweat, and tears on full display, patience suddenly comes at a premium. But this is one of many critical...

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So, you’re thinking about selling your business. Why? Your answer will help determine how best to proceed, whether you’ve been in business for decades or just a couple of years. Why does the question of “why?” even matter? It’s a matter of trust. Is your motivation for selling unique, or...

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Why don’t some businesses sell? Let us count the ways … Most deals die during one of the following stages: Marketing. These deals never get off the ground because we can’t get the traction necessary to generate meaningful discussions with buyers. Offer. We have generated interest but once potential buyers...

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Is your business a “Main Street” operation or a middle-market business? When it comes to selling your company, the distinction is important. The degree to which your business is considered a small or mid-sized operation will have a profound impact on how your business is valued and on the most...

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Deciding to Pay Off Equipment Leases Deciding to pay off your equipment lease before selling your business is primarily a mathematical decision with one unknown variable: the multiple. Let's look at an example to illustrate the math behind the decision. Example: Asking Price = $3,000,000 EBITDA = $1,000,000 Business Value...

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Should I buy new equipment before I sell my business? As a general rule, you should not invest in new equipment or other hard assets when you are in the process of selling your business unless it immediately increases your SDE (seller’s discretionary earnings) or EBITDA. Why? Because you are...

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To enhance the value of your company, you must position it in the best light. Clearly organized and reconstructed financial statements can maximize the value of your business in the eyes of potential buyers. In our decades of experience, these are the most frequently asked questions we hear regarding financial...

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The decision to sell your company is challenging. You have invested years or decades painstakingly building your business and have made countless sacrifices along the way. It’s an emotional determination that should not be taken lightly. There are four important factors to consider when mulling over what to do with...

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Should I sell my business or should I double down? As a successful entrepreneur, you have learned to temper your optimism with realism. But what should prevail now -- your optimism or realism? You’re concerned that if you don’t double down, your competition will put you out of business --...

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If your business is located in a state in which employee non-competition agreements are illegal (with California being the most notable example), you should know that there are two primary alternatives for protecting your interests: Non-Solicitation Agreement: A non-solicitation agreement only prohibits an employee from soliciting your employees or customers....

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Should I tell my employees about the plans to sell my business? There are no hard-and-fast rules regarding when you should tell your employees about your plans to sell your business. If your company’s culture is positive and you have trust with your employees, you may consider telling some of...

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Concentrations of risk can have a significantly negative effect on the value of your business. The value of a business, or any financial asset, is a function of the relationship between potential return and risk. The higher the risk, the lower the value. The higher the return, the higher the...

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To maximize the value of your business, it’s critical to know what buyers of businesses want -- and then make those things happen. Most buyers desire a company with infrastructure and a management team as opposed to a one-person show. Starting a business requires a different set of skills than...

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How can you determine the best steps to take to increase the value of your business? The Return on Value Driver’s Model (RVD™ Model) is a proprietary tool developed by Morgan & Westfield that helps identify which aspects of your business to improve that will have the biggest impact on...

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Don’t overlook the lease -- it’s one of the most instrumental elements of the sale process. The assignment or transfer of your lease should be handled with care because having issues with leases or landlords is a common deal-killer. Table of Contents When Should I Contact the Landlord About Transferring...

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If you own a franchise, your franchisor will play a vital role in the process. In such cases, we recommend that you contact your franchisor as early as possible in the process to gain their cooperation. Here are some tips when dealing with your franchisor: Assistance: Contact your franchisor as...

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If you’ve bought or sold a house, you’re likely familiar with “escrow.” When it comes to buying or selling a business, however, an escrow is more than simply an account where money is held until the details of the sale are complete. Escrow serves several essential functions in the sale...

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The purpose of external advisors is to make you -- the owner -- and your entire management team look as credible as possible by anticipating issues and preparing disclosure in a professional manner. And who doesn’t want that? Table of Contents Your Accountant’s Role Review Your Financials Tax Advice Allocation...

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Table of Contents Do I Need an M&A Attorney to Sell my Business? The Attorney’s Role in the M&A Process NDA Letter of Intent Due Diligence Purchase Agreement Negotiations Closing Process Other Roles Tips for Hiring an M&A Attorney Experience Negotiating Skills Other Soft Skills Do I Need an M&A...

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The world economy is evolving in ways no one could have predicted even a decade ago. Auto manufacturers, grocery chains, and most other companies that started as brick-and-mortar businesses are changing the way they operate to online models, especially when it comes to marketing and sales. Former Speaker of the...

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So, you made the decision to sell your business. Now what? The first step after deciding to sell your business is to hire a business broker or M&A advisor. Brokers and M&A intermediaries offer various types of engagement agreements; how do you know which type is right for your business...

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“I recently talked to a business broker who claimed they were selling 90% of their listings. I doubt this claim, but I don’t want to discount it entirely. Is it possible for a broker to accurately measure their success rate? If so, is a 90% success rate possible?” Unfortunately, we...

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How much do most brokers and M&A advisors charge? What is the ideal fee structure so that the broker’s interests are aligned with yours? Can a broker’s or M&A advisor’s fee arrangement cause bias or misaligned interests with you, the business owner? Here’s an overview of typical fees charged for...

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If you’re like most business owners, you’ve operated your company in a way designed to minimize taxes. You may have given yourself and your family members as many perks and benefits as possible, kept offspring on the payroll, and written off other expenses through your business -- all of which...

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What's the difference between SDE (seller’s discretionary earnings) and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)? Should I use SDE or EBITDA to value my business? SDE and EBITDA are two different ways of measuring the profit or cash flow of a business. The main difference is: SDE is...

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Seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE) is a measure of the earnings of a business and is the most common measure of cash flow used to value a small business. SDE allows a buyer to quickly compare two companies for valuation purposes. SDE is defined as: Pre-tax net income: This is the...

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EBITDA is the most common measure of the earnings of a company in the middle market. EBITDA allows a buyer to quickly compare two companies for valuation purposes. Most valuation methods are based on a multiple of earnings, and the most common measure of earnings is EBITDA. Once you know...

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One of the key factors to take into account when considering buying or selling a business is the return on investment (ROI). When valuing a business, ROI refers to the return on an investment divided by the investment amount. For example: $100,000 return /$1,000,000 investment = 10% return on investment...

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A third-party appraisal is just that -- an appraisal performed by a third party. You pay the broker directly, and they subcontract out your business appraisal to a third-party appraiser, whom you never meet. Larger offices refer appraisals to a third party and mark up the cost by 100% to...

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Can you look at my financials and give me a quick opinion of value? I don’t need a formal appraisal or valuation. I just want a quick number. Given your obvious expertise, I’m hoping you can look at my business and give me a ballpark number of what it’s worth....

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Our Process for Valuing a Business A valuation is based on both qualitative and quantitative factors. We must examine both sets of factors before arriving at the estimated value of your company. Properly determining the value or range of values for a company takes time because there are dozens of...

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Is there a difference between a business appraisal for legal purposes and a valuation for a business sale? If my goal is to sell my company, should I have a business appraiser or a broker value my business? A “legal appraisal” is for legal purposes, such as a divorce, bankruptcy,...

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As a business owner, one of the most important questions you will face is: What is my business worth? To answer this question, most business owners pay a professional to value their business. Before you do the same, be sure you understand the following: What is a valuation? How much...

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What's the difference between valuing public and private businesses? Are multiples for public companies applicable to small and mid-sized businesses? It’s helpful to understand the key differences in order to gain a clear understanding of the factors that have the greatest influence on the value of your company. Most public...

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It’s obvious that the more profitable your business is, the more valuable it is. However, there are many other factors that can affect the value of your business. Risk vs. Return The primary reason a buyer may be willing to pay a premium price for your business centers on their...

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One of the most common ways to value your business is to calculate its fair market value (FMV). FMV is defined by the American Society of Appraisers as follows: “The amount at which a property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any...

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I have a small business that has significant potential. The business has a substantial amount of intellectual property, such as patents and trade secrets, and other forms of growth potential. Do buyers pay for this type of potential, or do they base their valuation strictly on the cash flow my...

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I am selling my business. A buyer replied with, “My father-in-law is the investor and has the cash. I can sign the NDA as long as you are aware that this is between me and my investor.” How should I respond to the buyer? For small businesses, we rarely see...

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Is it possible to sell my business to a non-U.S. citizen who is not in the United States? I recently put my business on the market and have been dealing with a potential buyer from China, but I’m not sure how feasible it is to sell my business to someone...

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Yesterday, a guy who works for us asked if we were interested in selling our business. He said his two brothers would like to go into business with him. Here’s the problem: he asked if we would sell and for how much. When I turned it around and asked how...

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A competitor recently approached me and inquired about buying my business. I’m interested in talking with them, but I’m nervous. I don’t know if they are fishing for information or if they have a legitimate interest. I am reluctant to accept the offer since I know I must share sensitive,...

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The reasons companies make acquisitions vary widely and can be difficult to discern. Nonetheless, common patterns do emerge, and it’s possible to draw generalizations that assist in prioritizing your value drivers. Why does that matter? Knowing the reasons behind an acquisition will: Help you understand why executing certain value drivers...

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How long does a buyer keep looking for a business before they decide to either pull the trigger or give up their search -- or, to use a technical phrase, “fish or cut bait”? There are two general types of buyers looking to buy a business: companies and individuals. Companies:...

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One of the first lessons in Marketing 101 is this: know your audience. Who are they? Where are they? What buttons can be pushed? What incentives need to be dangled? If you’re not armed with this basic information (and more), it’s going to be a tough sell no matter what...

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There’s an adage in journalism that holds, “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” The idea behind this dictum is to caution reporters to always confirm the facts. The same principle holds true when it comes to dealing with prospective buyers of your business. A buyer might...

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Just as buyers perform due diligence on you and your business, performing due diligence on buyers is also paramount. One of the most time-consuming yet critical first steps in the sale process is screening potential buyers. The importance of screening buyers cannot be overstated. The major mistakes most entrepreneurs make...

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Should we include our revenue, SDE, or EBITDA in our ads when trying to sell our business? We have a great story to tell, though it seems that including the revenue and net profits precludes us from telling our story because buyers may dismiss our ads if they see the...

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If you’re near Google, go ahead and search for “businesses for sale.” What you’ll get in return in a fraction of a second is a myriad of web portals that exclusively list opportunities for prospective owners of small and mid-sized businesses. If your business is for sale and it isn’t...

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The steps that follow are necessary to consider only if the initial marketing campaigns to sell your business aren’t generating adequate results. So, if they’re not coming to you, you may need to go to them. There are four categories of buyers you can try to reach: individuals; financial buyers;...

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Is a targeted campaign right for you and your business? A key consideration for developing a marketing campaign is the size of your business. For small businesses, confidentially marketing your company on specialized portals is the most effective strategy. For mid-sized businesses, we also recommend targeting additional potential buyers such...

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Which is the right tool to use to sell your company: a fishing rod or a rifle? A fishing rod involves casting a line, dropping the bait, and waiting for a nibble. In the world of selling a business, the “fishing rod” approach entails confidentially marketing your business for sale...

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I am selling my business, and a potential buyer requested a copy of my financial statements before meeting me. Is it customary to send them at this point? It’s common to send a potential buyer financial information about the company before a meeting takes place with the seller, provided there’s...

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What happens after the buyer receives a confidential information memorandum (CIM) about a business? Here’s the ideal sequence of steps in screening and meeting with a buyer: Buyer is pre-screened and signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) Buyer receives the CIM Buyer has a few questions that are answered on the...

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An Introduction to M&A NDAs and Confidentiality Agreements Maintaining confidentiality is essential when it comes to selling your business. Many critical issues are addressed in a properly drafted non-disclosure agreement (NDA), including non-solicitation and other “sales process” issues. It’s tempting to assume that all NDAs are boilerplate, but a mistake...

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When it comes to selling your business, time is fickle. It’s your friend before your business is on the market and your enemy once your business is on the market. The longer it takes to sell your business, the higher the probability of a leak. Why is that a bad...

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The price and terms you ultimately receive are affected more by how strongly you negotiate the LOI than by how strongly you hammer out the purchase agreement. Let that sink in. For most sellers, how you negotiate the LOI is more important than how you negotiate the purchase agreement. Signing...

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It was ancient Greek storyteller Aesop who said, “Honesty is the best policy.” It is Morgan & Westfield who says, “Honesty is the #1 weapon in M&A transactions.” Is it possible to conceal a few warts on your business from buyers during the sales process? If you hide a few...

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How important are negotiating skills during the sale process? High-level negotiating skills are not as crucial as you might think. And that’s good news for those of us not named Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State who’s widely considered one of the greatest negotiators in history. You’re not...

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“It ain’t over till it's over.” -- Yogi Berra (1967) Many sellers take their business off the market after accepting an offer. This is a critical mistake. We recommend keeping your business on the market until a definitive agreement is signed and all contingencies have been removed (unless you have...

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Introduction Earnest money deposits are common in small-business sales and less common in middle-market transactions. They demonstrate good faith by the buyer to show that they are serious about purchasing your business. Private equity groups and sophisticated corporate buyers almost never provide an earnest money deposit. They view the time...

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Introduction The letter of intent (LOI) is one of the most important documents in a transaction. For my money, the LOI is the most significant agreement in an M&A transaction, even eclipsing the importance of the purchase agreement. A buyer will typically submit an LOI after spending some time looking...

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A term sheet is used to start negotiations by allowing the parties to focus on the key terms of a transaction. Its primary objective is to enable each party to focus on the key elements of the transaction before preparing a detailed letter of intent (LOI) or purchase agreement. The...

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Introduction Sometimes buyers start out with the best of intentions yet end up realizing they have overestimated their capabilities to pay. Needless to say, dealing with buyers who have defaulted on a seller note can be disappointing. As a seller, preparation is crucial. Knowing your options will spare you unnecessary...

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Introduction What is a third-party loan processor? If you have decided to finance the sale of your business, you should know that an experienced third-party loan processor can handle all aspects of collecting, crediting, and disbursing third party payments -- they simplify the day-to-day management and process of collecting on...

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Introduction One of the simplest ways to finance the acquisition of a business is to work with the seller to negotiate some form of seller financing, which is called a “seller note.” The vast majority of small business sales -- 80%, according to industry statistics -- include some form of...

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Introduction Most small transactions are financed using an SBA loan, a bank, or the seller. One additional source of financing to acquire small businesses includes rollovers of retirement funds and seller financing. The buyer can avoid a small-business loan altogether and use their retirement funds to finance the purchase of...

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Introduction Note: This article applies only to businesses valued at $5 million or less. That’s the maximum size of loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In larger transactions, companies use alternative sources of financing. Buying a business requires more than having in hand a sound business plan; it requires...

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Introduction When selling my business, can I cash out at closing? Is it possible to sell my business for all cash? Or do I need to finance a portion of the purchase price? These are common questions from our clients. Many business owners want all cash when selling their businesses....

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Introduction How do most buyers finance the purchase of a business? How much cash down do buyers usually put on a business? How common is it for a seller to carry a note? If they do, what are the typical terms of a seller note? How common are bank loans...

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Sometimes we find it amazing that deals get done at all, what with so many aspects of a transaction that have to be worked out and agreed to by both parties. Here’s one that often flies under the radar until very late in the process: allocation of the purchase price....

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Location, location, location. That’s a mantra that’s commonly heard when the discussion turns to home values. It’s also an important consideration when it comes to businesses. Don’t blow up your sale by giving short shrift to matters involving this key logistic. The lease is an integral part of the sale...

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When a business changes hands, most buyers expect the seller to sign a non-competition agreement (non-compete) at closing. Few buyers will purchase a business without a commitment from the seller to not compete with them after the business is sold. Non-competes are more heavily negotiated in certain industries, such as...

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I’m talking to a potential buyer who is interested in buying my business. We have talked about him purchasing the manufacturing portion of my business while I retain the wholesale division. Can you help us create a deal structure and asking price for each division separately? I'm not sure if...

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Does the type of entity I have (corporation, LLC, etc.) impact how the sale of my business is structured? Yes, the type of entity you have will impact the structure of the transaction and needs to be considered well in advance of starting the sales process. One of the primary...

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When buying or selling a business, an M&A transaction can generally take one of two forms: It can be an asset sale or a stock sale. Fundamentally, there are few differences between the two transaction structures. In an asset sale, the entity (e.g., corporation, LLC, etc.) sells the individual assets...

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News flash: Sometimes buyers and sellers can’t agree on the value of a company. The seller is interested in getting the highest-possible price, of course, while the buyer might be apprehensive about the company’s ability to grow as promised or keep customers and key employees. Enter the earnout. An earnout...

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It is essential to understand what happens to debt when a business is sold. In some instances, the debt is absorbed in the transaction as part of the sale. However, this is not the case most of the time. The fate of any debt in the sale of a business...

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On the heels of many seemingly smooth business deals, a buyer may have doubts. Sometimes they question whether certain details of the business meet regulatory standards. They may also be concerned with fraudulent issues. To quell their apprehension, a buyer will sometimes request a holdback. A holdback is a portion...

Read more

Introduction For decades, buyers have engaged professionals to conduct a quality of earnings (QoE) analysis of companies they plan on acquiring for the extra peace of mind these give. A buyer relies on insights from the QoE report when deciding if the price they will pay for a business is...

Read more

After you accept an offer or letter of intent (LOI) on your business, the buyer will begin due diligence. Due diligence is the process of gathering and analyzing information to help the parties determine whether or not to proceed with a business transaction. This period of time normally lasts 30...

Read more

Table of Contents The Importance of Preparing for Due Diligence The Purpose of Preparing for Due Diligence Benefits of Preparing for Due Diligence Resolves Issues Before They Become Issues Greatly Improves the Odds of a Successful Transaction Speeds up the Due-Diligence Process Maximizes Your Dales Price Additional Advantages of Conducting...

Read more

Executive Summary Representations and warranties (“reps & warranties” or R&W) are legal promises made by both buyer and seller. Reps & warranties are a foundational component of any purchase agreement, whether a stock purchase agreement or an asset purchase agreement. Following is a high-level outline of a typical purchase agreement...

Read more

You’ve heard of buyer’s remorse and maybe even experienced it. Buyer’s remorse is a feeling of regret after making a purchase. It only stands to reason that seller’s remorse is a thing, too. Some business owners become stressed before the closing as the personal implications of the sale of their...

Read more

What is a Definitive Purchase Agreement (DPA)? A DPA transfers the ownership of a business and its assets. The DPA is called “definitive” because it is the final agreement signed between the parties. This replaces any previous agreements, such as a letter of intent or offer to purchase. The DPA...

Read more

The buyer has done their due diligence and you’ve done yours. Terms of the transaction have been broadly agreed to -- including the price. Next up: The closing. You’ve gotten this far; what could go wrong? Hold my beer... There’s no such thing as a perfect closing but we can...

Read more

The period when business ownership transfers to the buyer is an often overlooked yet important phase of the sales transaction. In worst-case scenarios, the buyer can fail due to inadequate training, and the business can close down, resulting in significant financial damages. In best-case scenarios, the transition will go smoothly...

Read more

Following are some action steps to keep in mind post-closing: UCC Liens must be periodically renewed. If you have financed the sale of your business and filed a UCC lien to protect your interest, then be sure to check when your UCC lien expires. They must be renewed periodically to...

Read more

Selling a business is ranked as one of the most stressful events in an entrepreneur’s life, somewhere below doing jail time and above getting into debt beyond your means. Why? Because the process often brings with it setbacks, frustrations, and major disappointments. Imagine working on the largest transaction of your...

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How long will it take to sell my business? That’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. And, hey, we get it. Once you decide to put your blood, sweat, and tears on full display, patience suddenly comes at a premium. But this is one of many critical...

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So, you’re thinking about selling your business. Why? Your answer will help determine how best to proceed, whether you’ve been in business for decades or just a couple of years. Why does the question of “why?” even matter? It’s a matter of trust. Is your motivation for selling unique, or...

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Why don’t some businesses sell? Let us count the ways … Most deals die during one of the following stages: Marketing. These deals never get off the ground because we can’t get the traction necessary to generate meaningful discussions with buyers. Offer. We have generated interest but once potential buyers...

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Is your business a “Main Street” operation or a middle-market business? When it comes to selling your company, the distinction is important. The degree to which your business is considered a small or mid-sized operation will have a profound impact on how your business is valued and on the most...

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Deciding to Pay Off Equipment Leases Deciding to pay off your equipment lease before selling your business is primarily a mathematical decision with one unknown variable: the multiple. Let's look at an example to illustrate the math behind the decision. Example: Asking Price = $3,000,000 EBITDA = $1,000,000 Business Value...

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Should I buy new equipment before I sell my business? As a general rule, you should not invest in new equipment or other hard assets when you are in the process of selling your business unless it immediately increases your SDE (seller’s discretionary earnings) or EBITDA. Why? Because you are...

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To enhance the value of your company, you must position it in the best light. Clearly organized and reconstructed financial statements can maximize the value of your business in the eyes of potential buyers. In our decades of experience, these are the most frequently asked questions we hear regarding financial...

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The decision to sell your company is challenging. You have invested years or decades painstakingly building your business and have made countless sacrifices along the way. It’s an emotional determination that should not be taken lightly. There are four important factors to consider when mulling over what to do with...

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Should I sell my business or should I double down? As a successful entrepreneur, you have learned to temper your optimism with realism. But what should prevail now -- your optimism or realism? You’re concerned that if you don’t double down, your competition will put you out of business --...

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If your business is located in a state in which employee non-competition agreements are illegal (with California being the most notable example), you should know that there are two primary alternatives for protecting your interests: Non-Solicitation Agreement: A non-solicitation agreement only prohibits an employee from soliciting your employees or customers....

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Should I tell my employees about the plans to sell my business? There are no hard-and-fast rules regarding when you should tell your employees about your plans to sell your business. If your company’s culture is positive and you have trust with your employees, you may consider telling some of...

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Concentrations of risk can have a significantly negative effect on the value of your business. The value of a business, or any financial asset, is a function of the relationship between potential return and risk. The higher the risk, the lower the value. The higher the return, the higher the...

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To maximize the value of your business, it’s critical to know what buyers of businesses want -- and then make those things happen. Most buyers desire a company with infrastructure and a management team as opposed to a one-person show. Starting a business requires a different set of skills than...

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How can you determine the best steps to take to increase the value of your business? The Return on Value Driver’s Model (RVD™ Model) is a proprietary tool developed by Morgan & Westfield that helps identify which aspects of your business to improve that will have the biggest impact on...

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Don’t overlook the lease -- it’s one of the most instrumental elements of the sale process. The assignment or transfer of your lease should be handled with care because having issues with leases or landlords is a common deal-killer. Table of Contents When Should I Contact the Landlord About Transferring...

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If you own a franchise, your franchisor will play a vital role in the process. In such cases, we recommend that you contact your franchisor as early as possible in the process to gain their cooperation. Here are some tips when dealing with your franchisor: Assistance: Contact your franchisor as...

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If you’ve bought or sold a house, you’re likely familiar with “escrow.” When it comes to buying or selling a business, however, an escrow is more than simply an account where money is held until the details of the sale are complete. Escrow serves several essential functions in the sale...

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The purpose of external advisors is to make you -- the owner -- and your entire management team look as credible as possible by anticipating issues and preparing disclosure in a professional manner. And who doesn’t want that? Table of Contents Your Accountant’s Role Review Your Financials Tax Advice Allocation...

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Table of Contents Do I Need an M&A Attorney to Sell my Business? The Attorney’s Role in the M&A Process NDA Letter of Intent Due Diligence Purchase Agreement Negotiations Closing Process Other Roles Tips for Hiring an M&A Attorney Experience Negotiating Skills Other Soft Skills Do I Need an M&A...

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The world economy is evolving in ways no one could have predicted even a decade ago. Auto manufacturers, grocery chains, and most other companies that started as brick-and-mortar businesses are changing the way they operate to online models, especially when it comes to marketing and sales. Former Speaker of the...

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So, you made the decision to sell your business. Now what? The first step after deciding to sell your business is to hire a business broker or M&A advisor. Brokers and M&A intermediaries offer various types of engagement agreements; how do you know which type is right for your business...

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“I recently talked to a business broker who claimed they were selling 90% of their listings. I doubt this claim, but I don’t want to discount it entirely. Is it possible for a broker to accurately measure their success rate? If so, is a 90% success rate possible?” Unfortunately, we...

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How much do most brokers and M&A advisors charge? What is the ideal fee structure so that the broker’s interests are aligned with yours? Can a broker’s or M&A advisor’s fee arrangement cause bias or misaligned interests with you, the business owner? Here’s an overview of typical fees charged for...

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If you’re like most business owners, you’ve operated your company in a way designed to minimize taxes. You may have given yourself and your family members as many perks and benefits as possible, kept offspring on the payroll, and written off other expenses through your business -- all of which...

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What's the difference between SDE (seller’s discretionary earnings) and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)? Should I use SDE or EBITDA to value my business? SDE and EBITDA are two different ways of measuring the profit or cash flow of a business. The main difference is: SDE is...

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Seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE) is a measure of the earnings of a business and is the most common measure of cash flow used to value a small business. SDE allows a buyer to quickly compare two companies for valuation purposes. SDE is defined as: Pre-tax net income: This is the...

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EBITDA is the most common measure of the earnings of a company in the middle market. EBITDA allows a buyer to quickly compare two companies for valuation purposes. Most valuation methods are based on a multiple of earnings, and the most common measure of earnings is EBITDA. Once you know...

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One of the key factors to take into account when considering buying or selling a business is the return on investment (ROI). When valuing a business, ROI refers to the return on an investment divided by the investment amount. For example: $100,000 return /$1,000,000 investment = 10% return on investment...

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A third-party appraisal is just that -- an appraisal performed by a third party. You pay the broker directly, and they subcontract out your business appraisal to a third-party appraiser, whom you never meet. Larger offices refer appraisals to a third party and mark up the cost by 100% to...

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Can you look at my financials and give me a quick opinion of value? I don’t need a formal appraisal or valuation. I just want a quick number. Given your obvious expertise, I’m hoping you can look at my business and give me a ballpark number of what it’s worth....

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Our Process for Valuing a Business A valuation is based on both qualitative and quantitative factors. We must examine both sets of factors before arriving at the estimated value of your company. Properly determining the value or range of values for a company takes time because there are dozens of...

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Is there a difference between a business appraisal for legal purposes and a valuation for a business sale? If my goal is to sell my company, should I have a business appraiser or a broker value my business? A “legal appraisal” is for legal purposes, such as a divorce, bankruptcy,...

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As a business owner, one of the most important questions you will face is: What is my business worth? To answer this question, most business owners pay a professional to value their business. Before you do the same, be sure you understand the following: What is a valuation? How much...

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What's the difference between valuing public and private businesses? Are multiples for public companies applicable to small and mid-sized businesses? It’s helpful to understand the key differences in order to gain a clear understanding of the factors that have the greatest influence on the value of your company. Most public...

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It’s obvious that the more profitable your business is, the more valuable it is. However, there are many other factors that can affect the value of your business. Risk vs. Return The primary reason a buyer may be willing to pay a premium price for your business centers on their...

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One of the most common ways to value your business is to calculate its fair market value (FMV). FMV is defined by the American Society of Appraisers as follows: “The amount at which a property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any...

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I have a small business that has significant potential. The business has a substantial amount of intellectual property, such as patents and trade secrets, and other forms of growth potential. Do buyers pay for this type of potential, or do they base their valuation strictly on the cash flow my...

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I am selling my business. A buyer replied with, “My father-in-law is the investor and has the cash. I can sign the NDA as long as you are aware that this is between me and my investor.” How should I respond to the buyer? For small businesses, we rarely see...

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Is it possible to sell my business to a non-U.S. citizen who is not in the United States? I recently put my business on the market and have been dealing with a potential buyer from China, but I’m not sure how feasible it is to sell my business to someone...

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Yesterday, a guy who works for us asked if we were interested in selling our business. He said his two brothers would like to go into business with him. Here’s the problem: he asked if we would sell and for how much. When I turned it around and asked how...

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A competitor recently approached me and inquired about buying my business. I’m interested in talking with them, but I’m nervous. I don’t know if they are fishing for information or if they have a legitimate interest. I am reluctant to accept the offer since I know I must share sensitive,...

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The reasons companies make acquisitions vary widely and can be difficult to discern. Nonetheless, common patterns do emerge, and it’s possible to draw generalizations that assist in prioritizing your value drivers. Why does that matter? Knowing the reasons behind an acquisition will: Help you understand why executing certain value drivers...

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How long does a buyer keep looking for a business before they decide to either pull the trigger or give up their search -- or, to use a technical phrase, “fish or cut bait”? There are two general types of buyers looking to buy a business: companies and individuals. Companies:...

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One of the first lessons in Marketing 101 is this: know your audience. Who are they? Where are they? What buttons can be pushed? What incentives need to be dangled? If you’re not armed with this basic information (and more), it’s going to be a tough sell no matter what...

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There’s an adage in journalism that holds, “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” The idea behind this dictum is to caution reporters to always confirm the facts. The same principle holds true when it comes to dealing with prospective buyers of your business. A buyer might...

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Just as buyers perform due diligence on you and your business, performing due diligence on buyers is also paramount. One of the most time-consuming yet critical first steps in the sale process is screening potential buyers. The importance of screening buyers cannot be overstated. The major mistakes most entrepreneurs make...

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Should we include our revenue, SDE, or EBITDA in our ads when trying to sell our business? We have a great story to tell, though it seems that including the revenue and net profits precludes us from telling our story because buyers may dismiss our ads if they see the...

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If you’re near Google, go ahead and search for “businesses for sale.” What you’ll get in return in a fraction of a second is a myriad of web portals that exclusively list opportunities for prospective owners of small and mid-sized businesses. If your business is for sale and it isn’t...

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The steps that follow are necessary to consider only if the initial marketing campaigns to sell your business aren’t generating adequate results. So, if they’re not coming to you, you may need to go to them. There are four categories of buyers you can try to reach: individuals; financial buyers;...

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Is a targeted campaign right for you and your business? A key consideration for developing a marketing campaign is the size of your business. For small businesses, confidentially marketing your company on specialized portals is the most effective strategy. For mid-sized businesses, we also recommend targeting additional potential buyers such...

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Which is the right tool to use to sell your company: a fishing rod or a rifle? A fishing rod involves casting a line, dropping the bait, and waiting for a nibble. In the world of selling a business, the “fishing rod” approach entails confidentially marketing your business for sale...

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I am selling my business, and a potential buyer requested a copy of my financial statements before meeting me. Is it customary to send them at this point? It’s common to send a potential buyer financial information about the company before a meeting takes place with the seller, provided there’s...

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What happens after the buyer receives a confidential information memorandum (CIM) about a business? Here’s the ideal sequence of steps in screening and meeting with a buyer: Buyer is pre-screened and signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) Buyer receives the CIM Buyer has a few questions that are answered on the...

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An Introduction to M&A NDAs and Confidentiality Agreements Maintaining confidentiality is essential when it comes to selling your business. Many critical issues are addressed in a properly drafted non-disclosure agreement (NDA), including non-solicitation and other “sales process” issues. It’s tempting to assume that all NDAs are boilerplate, but a mistake...

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When it comes to selling your business, time is fickle. It’s your friend before your business is on the market and your enemy once your business is on the market. The longer it takes to sell your business, the higher the probability of a leak. Why is that a bad...

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The price and terms you ultimately receive are affected more by how strongly you negotiate the LOI than by how strongly you hammer out the purchase agreement. Let that sink in. For most sellers, how you negotiate the LOI is more important than how you negotiate the purchase agreement. Signing...

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It was ancient Greek storyteller Aesop who said, “Honesty is the best policy.” It is Morgan & Westfield who says, “Honesty is the #1 weapon in M&A transactions.” Is it possible to conceal a few warts on your business from buyers during the sales process? If you hide a few...

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How important are negotiating skills during the sale process? High-level negotiating skills are not as crucial as you might think. And that’s good news for those of us not named Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State who’s widely considered one of the greatest negotiators in history. You’re not...

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“It ain’t over till it's over.” -- Yogi Berra (1967) Many sellers take their business off the market after accepting an offer. This is a critical mistake. We recommend keeping your business on the market until a definitive agreement is signed and all contingencies have been removed (unless you have...

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Introduction Earnest money deposits are common in small-business sales and less common in middle-market transactions. They demonstrate good faith by the buyer to show that they are serious about purchasing your business. Private equity groups and sophisticated corporate buyers almost never provide an earnest money deposit. They view the time...

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Introduction The letter of intent (LOI) is one of the most important documents in a transaction. For my money, the LOI is the most significant agreement in an M&A transaction, even eclipsing the importance of the purchase agreement. A buyer will typically submit an LOI after spending some time looking...

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A term sheet is used to start negotiations by allowing the parties to focus on the key terms of a transaction. Its primary objective is to enable each party to focus on the key elements of the transaction before preparing a detailed letter of intent (LOI) or purchase agreement. The...

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Introduction Sometimes buyers start out with the best of intentions yet end up realizing they have overestimated their capabilities to pay. Needless to say, dealing with buyers who have defaulted on a seller note can be disappointing. As a seller, preparation is crucial. Knowing your options will spare you unnecessary...

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Introduction What is a third-party loan processor? If you have decided to finance the sale of your business, you should know that an experienced third-party loan processor can handle all aspects of collecting, crediting, and disbursing third party payments -- they simplify the day-to-day management and process of collecting on...

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Introduction One of the simplest ways to finance the acquisition of a business is to work with the seller to negotiate some form of seller financing, which is called a “seller note.” The vast majority of small business sales -- 80%, according to industry statistics -- include some form of...

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Introduction Most small transactions are financed using an SBA loan, a bank, or the seller. One additional source of financing to acquire small businesses includes rollovers of retirement funds and seller financing. The buyer can avoid a small-business loan altogether and use their retirement funds to finance the purchase of...

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Introduction Note: This article applies only to businesses valued at $5 million or less. That’s the maximum size of loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In larger transactions, companies use alternative sources of financing. Buying a business requires more than having in hand a sound business plan; it requires...

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Introduction When selling my business, can I cash out at closing? Is it possible to sell my business for all cash? Or do I need to finance a portion of the purchase price? These are common questions from our clients. Many business owners want all cash when selling their businesses....

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Introduction How do most buyers finance the purchase of a business? How much cash down do buyers usually put on a business? How common is it for a seller to carry a note? If they do, what are the typical terms of a seller note? How common are bank loans...

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Sometimes we find it amazing that deals get done at all, what with so many aspects of a transaction that have to be worked out and agreed to by both parties. Here’s one that often flies under the radar until very late in the process: allocation of the purchase price....

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Location, location, location. That’s a mantra that’s commonly heard when the discussion turns to home values. It’s also an important consideration when it comes to businesses. Don’t blow up your sale by giving short shrift to matters involving this key logistic. The lease is an integral part of the sale...

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When a business changes hands, most buyers expect the seller to sign a non-competition agreement (non-compete) at closing. Few buyers will purchase a business without a commitment from the seller to not compete with them after the business is sold. Non-competes are more heavily negotiated in certain industries, such as...

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I’m talking to a potential buyer who is interested in buying my business. We have talked about him purchasing the manufacturing portion of my business while I retain the wholesale division. Can you help us create a deal structure and asking price for each division separately? I'm not sure if...

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Does the type of entity I have (corporation, LLC, etc.) impact how the sale of my business is structured? Yes, the type of entity you have will impact the structure of the transaction and needs to be considered well in advance of starting the sales process. One of the primary...

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When buying or selling a business, an M&A transaction can generally take one of two forms: It can be an asset sale or a stock sale. Fundamentally, there are few differences between the two transaction structures. In an asset sale, the entity (e.g., corporation, LLC, etc.) sells the individual assets...

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News flash: Sometimes buyers and sellers can’t agree on the value of a company. The seller is interested in getting the highest-possible price, of course, while the buyer might be apprehensive about the company’s ability to grow as promised or keep customers and key employees. Enter the earnout. An earnout...

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It is essential to understand what happens to debt when a business is sold. In some instances, the debt is absorbed in the transaction as part of the sale. However, this is not the case most of the time. The fate of any debt in the sale of a business...

Read more

On the heels of many seemingly smooth business deals, a buyer may have doubts. Sometimes they question whether certain details of the business meet regulatory standards. They may also be concerned with fraudulent issues. To quell their apprehension, a buyer will sometimes request a holdback. A holdback is a portion...

Read more

Introduction For decades, buyers have engaged professionals to conduct a quality of earnings (QoE) analysis of companies they plan on acquiring for the extra peace of mind these give. A buyer relies on insights from the QoE report when deciding if the price they will pay for a business is...

Read more

After you accept an offer or letter of intent (LOI) on your business, the buyer will begin due diligence. Due diligence is the process of gathering and analyzing information to help the parties determine whether or not to proceed with a business transaction. This period of time normally lasts 30...

Read more

Table of Contents The Importance of Preparing for Due Diligence The Purpose of Preparing for Due Diligence Benefits of Preparing for Due Diligence Resolves Issues Before They Become Issues Greatly Improves the Odds of a Successful Transaction Speeds up the Due-Diligence Process Maximizes Your Dales Price Additional Advantages of Conducting...

Read more

Executive Summary Representations and warranties (“reps & warranties” or R&W) are legal promises made by both buyer and seller. Reps & warranties are a foundational component of any purchase agreement, whether a stock purchase agreement or an asset purchase agreement. Following is a high-level outline of a typical purchase agreement...

Read more

You’ve heard of buyer’s remorse and maybe even experienced it. Buyer’s remorse is a feeling of regret after making a purchase. It only stands to reason that seller’s remorse is a thing, too. Some business owners become stressed before the closing as the personal implications of the sale of their...

Read more

What is a Definitive Purchase Agreement (DPA)? A DPA transfers the ownership of a business and its assets. The DPA is called “definitive” because it is the final agreement signed between the parties. This replaces any previous agreements, such as a letter of intent or offer to purchase. The DPA...

Read more

The buyer has done their due diligence and you’ve done yours. Terms of the transaction have been broadly agreed to -- including the price. Next up: The closing. You’ve gotten this far; what could go wrong? Hold my beer... There’s no such thing as a perfect closing but we can...

Read more

The period when business ownership transfers to the buyer is an often overlooked yet important phase of the sales transaction. In worst-case scenarios, the buyer can fail due to inadequate training, and the business can close down, resulting in significant financial damages. In best-case scenarios, the transition will go smoothly...

Read more

Following are some action steps to keep in mind post-closing: UCC Liens must be periodically renewed. If you have financed the sale of your business and filed a UCC lien to protect your interest, then be sure to check when your UCC lien expires. They must be renewed periodically to...

Read more