How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?
Recent studies indicate that it now takes, on average, about eight to ten months to sell a small business. This figure seems to increase yearly. Why does it take so long to sell a business?
Price and terms are the biggest reasons! It is very important not to overprice the business at the beginning of the sales process. A business will also sell more quickly if there is a reasonable down payment with the seller carrying the balance. Having all of the necessary information right from the beginning can also greatly reduce the time period. Finally, being prepared for the information a buyer may want to review or having the answers available for the questions a buyer may want answered is another key.
Here is the basic information a prospective acquirer will want to review and a seller should have prepared to help facilitate a quicker sale:
Copies of the financials for the past three years.
A copy of the lease and any assignments of the lease from previous sales.
A list of the fixtures and equipment that will be included in the sale. Note: If something is not included in the sale, it is best to remove it from the premises prior to the sale or at least have a list that specifies which items are not included.
A copy of the franchise agreement, if applicable, or any agreements with suppliers or vendors.
Copies of any other documentation pertaining to the business.
Supporting documents for patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.
Sales brochures, press releases, advertisements, menus or other sales materials.
In addition, here are some key questions that buyers may likely ask. A prepared seller should have ready answers and information to support those answers.
Is the seller willing to train a new owner at no charge?
Are there any zoning or local restrictions that would impact the business?
Is there any pending litigation?
Are any license issues involved?
Are there any federal or state requirements, or environmental OSHA issues that could affect the business?
What about the employee situation? Are there key employees?
Are there any copyrights, secret recipes, mailing lists, etc?
What about major suppliers or vendors?
A prepared seller is a willing seller, and having the answers to the above items can significantly reduce the time it takes to sell a business.
Using the services of a professional business broker can also greatly reduce the time period. Business brokers are knowledgeable about the current market, they know how to market a business, and they can advise a seller on price and terms. They can also recommend professional advisors if a seller doesn’t have them already. Using advisors who are transaction experienced can also shorten the time it takes to close the sale.
Read MoreWhen to Create an Exit Strategy
There is the old saying that the time to develop an exit strategy is the day you open for business. Sounds good, but it’s not very realistic. Further, it also isn’t very optimistic. On the day you open for business, thoughts about how you get out of it aren’t pleasant, or helpful, thoughts. However, as you get the business to a place where you have a bit of extra time to plan, you will find that the things you need to do to improve your business are some of the very things you will need to work on to plan an exit strategy.
You can’t predict misfortune, but you can plan for it. One never knows when an accident or illness will force one to sell. When the drive to your business becomes filled with dread, maybe it’s time to consider selling. The following ideas will improve your business, even if you’re not currently considering selling. Dealing with these areas will also supply the information a buyer will most likely be looking at when the time does come to sell.
Buyers want cash flow.
This, at least on the surface, is the thing a potential buyer will want to look at.
Appearances are important.
You may think everything about the business looks fine, but the two letters on the neon sign that don’t work indicate to a possible buyer that the seller may have lost interest in the business, causing them to also wonder what else doesn’t work or has been neglected.
There is probably more value than you think.
Business owners often don’t look at things that do create real value such as: customer lists, secret recipes, specialized computer systems, programs, customer loyalty programs, etc.
Eliminate the surprises.
Make sure the lease is transferable and that your landlord is willing to cooperate. Resolve that issue with town hall. Resolve the problem with that angry customer. Minor problems and issues will often raise their ugly heads during sensitive times, spooking a possible buyer. So, the time to resolve them is before going to market.
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