FAQ

Buyers could be local or international. International buyers are not necessarily restricted to buying large business as often they are seeking add-on acquisitions for their portfolio companies.

Financial Buyers/Private Equity: Groups

The first type of buyer, is the financial buyer. Financial buyers are generally a group of investors who are interested in purchasing, investing in and reselling a highly profitable business in a certain geographic location. The most common types of financial buyers are Private Equity Groups (PEGs). PEGs are investment management firms that are typically investing with the thought of reselling in five to seven years. These buyers typically own a “platform business” and are seeking privately held businesses that would be appropriate add-on candidates. Financial buyers may also be looking to acquire a “platform business” that creates a stable foundation for future growth.

Strategic Buyers:

The second type of buyer is the strategic buyer. Strategic buyers usually own a company that is similar or within the same industry as the company that is being acquired. They realize they can grow through acquisition much more easily than through organic growth. Strategic buyers perform related functions in different markets and will usually take over companies that are similar to theirs, with products, services and customers all resembling one another or complementary. Strategic buyers have the objective of integrating a business into the one they currently own. They are looking for an opportunity to grow and expand their product lines and services within the same market while incorporating aspects of the acquired company.

Individual Buyers:

Individual buyers usually consist of those who want to own their own business without taking on the job of starting one from scratch (although acquiring a business is just as much, if not more, of a responsibility). The individual buyer is in control of the business and is very involved in running the business itself while keeping profits for his/her family and sustaining his/her lifestyle as a business owner. Some individual buyers are interested in owning a business for the first time because they are tired of their situation beforehand. Individual buyers are most likely best-suited for your business if it is in the small to middle market range.

Statistically, companies are sold to buyers who are not known at first (but can be reached through our network)

Go as wide as possible confidentially (Buyers in our network, using the tools at our disposal to protect confidentiality)

Create a process by which buyers are put in competition. This is how we will find the buyer for whom your company is worth the most and who will be willing to pay more than any other

We will initially approach buyers with a Blind Profile, which is a one page document that without revealing the identity, contains general information on your company, that a buyer will need to have to decide whether they are interested in moving forward with a purchase. After this initial screening, interested and qualified buyers will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving any specific information.

We will do most of the work as we want you to focus on the operation of your business. There will be some initial involvement while we collect the information for the preparation of the sale, and in the later stages, once we have completed the marketing phase and initiate buyer – seller meetings with the selected prospects.

Communication is important throughout the process. We do not want to take too much of your time, but we want to inform you of the main steps.

Our goal is to present you with a list of the most interesting buyers to make the best choice.

We do the work and keep you informed at the pace that suits you

There are a number of methodologies to value a company including an estimation of the net present value of future cash flows, comparisons with similar transactions, industry multiples and others. Contact us for more information.

Although profitability, strategic benefits, growth potential and other are important factors in the eyes of a buyer, there is a subjective element that also plays a part in the decision making process of an acquisition. A well conceived video can be instrumental in highlighting and showcase in a concise way the attributes of your business.

There are many reasons. To start, we have years of experience in dealing with sophisticated purchasers. You need to avoid, once you decide to sell, being out-gunned by expert buyers in private equity groups or M&A divisions of strategic buyers that do acquisitions permanently. You need someone with the know-how and acumen to defend your interests.

We also have the reach to approach many buyers, locally and internationally, creating a competitive environment resulting in the best offer for your business.

Selling a business is time consuming and an emotional experience. We will do most of the work, taking as little of your time as possible. Additionally, being an external party, we have the objectivity to conduct a rational negotiation which is not often the case when sellers negotiate directly.

The best moment is when the results are good.

We suggest not waiting until you are tired and that there is a negative impact on the company's results.

Buyers may still have an interest in a company with declining revenues and profitability, except that the price / value of the company will not be optimal.

Declining sales

Market that disappears

Surprises during the due diligence (confidence concept)

Changes during the sales process that affect the business significantly

It varies between 6 to 12 months, and in general 9 months

Here is an overview of the time required (For more details see the main steps described in the video in the Sell Your Business section):

Steps Preparation (Evaluation - Preparation of Documents - Analysis of Buyers Lists) (approximately 2 months)

Steps Obtaining Offers (Teaser - Selections - Privacy Agreement - Presentation - Selection - Meetings - Letter of Intent - Negotiation - Letter of Intent Acceptance) (approximately 4 months)

Conclusion Steps (Diligent Verification - Purchase Contract - Signature) (about 3 months)