It is at this stage that Provest can be quite invaluable.  We will be there to answer any questions you might have or do the relevant research.  Next, we will prepare an offer based on the price and terms you feel are appropriate.  Typically, you will have final approval upon review of the actual books and records supporting the figures that have been provided.  You will find out at this stage if the buyer will accept the price and terms you offered. It is essential that you and the seller agree on price and terms. When the seller receives your offer, he or she can approve it, reject it, or counter it with his or her own offer.  If you receive a counter proposal, you can accept or reject it. Once a price and terms have been agreed up, “due diligence” is next.  The burden is on you – the buyer – no one else.  You have the opportunity to bring in outside advisors or do your own due diligence.  If there are no areas of concern, you can allow the closing documents to be prepared and … [Read more...]

With a new business, you'll have to work hard and put in many hours.  Of course, even aside from the capital necessary to buy the business, you'll also need money to make improvements.  Buying a business doesn't mean you can sit at a desk from now on.  You must also get out there and handle a variety of elements including upkeep, promotions, hiring and bookkeeping.  All of these elements and more contribute to success. … [Read more...]

The bottom line is that you want to find a business you would feel comfortable operating.  To succeed, it is important that you are proud to own your business.  Of course, there are also financial considerations.  You also want to find a business that fits your price range and you want to make sure you'll make enough income to pay your bills. Keep in mind that when you see a business you want to buy, it is beneficial if you have ideas of how to improve it and make it more profitable.  As a new owner, odds are that you will be making improvements to strengthen and grow the business.  In our opinion, unless you can take the business to a new level, it is probably not the right business for you.  The ultimate success of the business is in your hands, and that is why we advise clients to find businesses they feel optimistic about owning. … [Read more...]

Typically, a seller will come to a Provest for advice on what a business' selling price should be.  After carefully reviewing financial information, we suggest a range of prices.  We take market considerations into account.  While a seller may already have a figure in mind, we will recommend a price range.  When more cash is required by the seller, the price will be lower.  In contrast, when there are lower cash requirements, the price is generally higher. In today’s market, many business sales have a seller-financed component.  As a result, the down payment and terms are essential. In many cases, the structure of the sale is more important than the actual selling price.  The fact of the matter is the terms of the sale can mean success and failure. … [Read more...]

Researchers are often looking into this topic.  However, it turns out that most surveys reveal similar answers.  The following list details what buyers typically are seeking.  (This list is 1-4 with the most important elements listed first.) 1. I want to do my own thing and control my own destiny 2. I no longer want to work for a boss 3. I have skills and abilities I'd like to take advantage of 4. I'm interested in making more money *As you can see above, making money is not the top reason that people want to run their own business! … [Read more...]

One main reason that buyers often purchase businesses is due to the fact that they have track records.  Most business failures take place in the start-up phase.  When a business is preexisting it shows that there is a need for its products and/or services.  Further, there will be viable financial records to prove that fact. Another advantage to buyers is that sellers will often stay and train the new owner.  When a buyer can find someone who will train them and also offer financing terms, it can be tremendously attractive. … [Read more...]