Maximize the value of your business

Selling your business is a chance to be repaid for your hard work.

You have done a great job in establishing and building your business and now it is time to reap the rewards!

There are some key things to look at well before you start the process of selling your business that could make a difference of thousands of dollars to your eventual sale price.

The more ready your business is to be sold and the more attractive (less risky) it is to a buyer then the better sale price you will receive.

The more the buyer thinks he or she can earn in the future, the more attractive and appealing the business becomes and the more it is worth.

If your business:

Is in a growth market

Has a product that is selling extremely well in one region/location/market and can be easily adapted to a wider market

Has invested or owns the technology or Intellectual Property

Has patented the processes

Is on the verge of signing a new contract

Has developed a unique concept

Is the market leader

Is in impressive premises in an ideal location or

Has a great brand name or any number of other key factors...

...then some or all of these criteria may significantly improve the value of your business. You also need to consider risk. The less risk attached to future profits, the higher your business is valued. You can minimize the perceived risk of buying the business by demonstrating solid past financial results, having competent managers and having a business that is not reliant on the business owner.

When considering the sale of your business, remember these two important factors:

1. Understanding When to Sell

The "Getting Ready" Process

You need to explore issues such as whether you have the right information together for the potential buyer. Does your business look like a low risk investment? Do you understand the key criteria in selling your business so you can structure your business in the best light? Is it likely that if you waited you could improve the appeal for your business and therefore sell it for more money?

The following concepts are essential to understand:

VALUE: The value of a business will generally be based on how much income it can earn, and how much risk the potential purchaser will associate with earning this income.

RISK: The higher the risk to the potential buyer, the lower the value of your business. By risk I mean certainty that a buyer can continue to make the income that you have i.e. if you have made a loss for the last two years, your business will be relatively unattractive. A buyer will see it as a risky investment and will look for other companies that have made a profit.

ATTRACTIVENESS: The lower the risk of the business to the potential purchaser, the higher the attractiveness of your business. And most importantly, the more attractive your business, the more you can sell it for.

READINESS: Even if you are an attractive low risk investment for a potential purchaser, you can maximize the amount of money you can sell your business for by making sure that you have all the documentation, forms, systems and processes in place prior to negotiation.

IMPLEMENTATION: Establish and implement a plan to prepare your business for sale.

2. Understanding How to Sell

The Price and Strategy Process

It is essentially a marketing exercise. You need to be clear on the price, strategy and processes that you will use to advertise and sell your business.

Do not take shortcuts because there is too much at stake.