This Buyer is Perfect if You’re Ready to Sell Your Business and Retire

About the Episode

You already know about independent sponsors and search funds, but the entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) trend is transforming the market. These buyers are sophisticated, well-funded entrepreneurs who buy businesses and ensure a quick succession plan and a smoother closing process for owners ready to retire. Listen to learn why these educated buyers are a powerful, focused group actively looking for businesses like yours.

The person who’s going to run the business shows up at the door. That’s the biggest advantage of selling to these buyers. Your replacement has walked in the door, and they have the money behind them. They’ve done all the work to be a good succession for you.

Matt Coyne

What You’ll Learn

• How You Can Secure a Faster, Smoother Exit: Learn how selling to an ETA buyer offers the major advantage of a swift exit, often allowing you to retire within a few months, because they are your ready-made replacement and their main job is to close the deal and run the company.
• How Do ETA Buyers Differ From Independent Sponsors: The former typically arrives with committed investor funding (equity capital) from professional backers, ensuring they have the money to close the deal, unlike sponsors who often shop for funding after a letter of intent (LOI) is accepted.
• Prepare Your Financials for Smart Due Diligence: ETA buyers are sophisticated and financially literate, and will quickly focus on poignant, meaningful questions about your financials and cash flow. To prepare for your business sale, ensure you understand your P&L and, especially, your balance sheet.
• How ETA Buyers Leverage the Power of Mentorship: The ETA buyer isn’t just a single individual; they are typically mentored and backed by a group of experienced professionals (co-investors). This deep expertise provides the new owner with strategic insight for growth and offers the seller confidence that their business will be taken to the next level.

Topics Covered

Want More? Related Resources:

• M&A Guide | The 4 Types of Buyers of Businesses
• The Basics of Independent (Fundless) Sponsors in M&A
• Preparing Financial Statements When Selling a Business

Meet Our Guest

Matt Coyne

President of Brandywine Mergers and Acquisitions | Malvern, Pennsylvania

Matt Coyne is the President of Brandywine Mergers and Acquisitions, an M&A advisory firm that helps business owners of companies between $1M to $100M evaluate and execute the sale of their businesses. He is the author of Straight Talk from the Front Lines: Dispelling the myths and providing clear guidance about selling your business. Matt is also the creator of The M&A Mastery Program for Business Owners, an educational/mentoring program for business owners who want to control their exit.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mattcoyne-mandamastery