Buying a Business …. The Right Way!

You have chosen one of the most respected sales and acquisitions firms in the area. With a long history in middle market private placements, we has assisted buyers in acquiring all types and sizes of companies. Industry sources tell us that we are the largest intermediaries of our type in California, and one of the most highly regarded.

The team of professionals available to assist you comes from a wide range of disciplines. The principals have all owned and managed their own businesses and understand the challenges that face business owners. You benefit from the experiences of the entire team.

The process of acquiring a business can take a few weeks or a few months. We are prepared to assist in every step of the process. We look forward to working with you on this very important assignment. The following is presented to familiarize you with the process:

Both Coldwell Banker Commercial and Dale Eyeler come with experience and financial knowledge to place you in the best possible position to buy your new business.

PROCESS FOR HELPING YOU BUY A BUSINESS

  • Asset Sale: Involves the sale of specific assets including equipment, trade names, and inventory but generally does not include cash, accounts receivable, or accounts payable.
  • Stock Sale: Involves the transfer of stock in the company and effectively generally includes all assets and liabilities of the company.
  • Total purchase price consideration
  • Cash due at closing
  • Assumption of debt (if any)
  • Seller financing terms – term, interest, security
  • Non-Compete compensation
  • Consulting income or earn outs

Due Diligence (confidential information not disclosed by the Seller that the Buyer still needs to review)

  • Confirmation of financials, books and records
  • Financing arrangements
  • Lease assignment or negotiation of new lease
  • EPA Compliance
  • Licensing requirements
  • Franchise approval
  • Buyer and Seller warranties
  • Training
  • Covenant Not to Compete
  • Allocation of purchase price
  • Desired closing date
  • Date by which Seller must respond
  • Earnest money
  • Accept the offer as presented
  • Respond with a counter offer
  • Let the offer expire with no action taken (rejection)

More Useful Information:

  • A current statement, dated within the past ninety days is also necessary, with and aging of accounts receivables and payables and schedule of installment debt.
    Furnish list of machinery and equipment, automotive equipment and furniture and fixtures presently owned by the company; cost of each item; was it purchased new or used.
    If your business owns real estate, furnish legal description. If your business is buying real estate, furnish contract plus legal description.
    If incorporated, furnish copy of certificate and articles or incorporation issued by the secretary of State.
    Copy of lease.
    History of business
    Projection of income and expenses for two years; monthly cash flow for 12 months on business less than one year old.
    Resume on all principals, personal financial statements and tax returns on all principals for the past three years.
    If you are purchasing a business or affecting a buy-out, furnish a copy of the buy/sell agreement.
    If you are buying machinery or equipment with loan proceeds, furnish list of equipment to be purchased and cost of each item.
    If there is construction involved, construction bids and a break down of costs, including sales contract.
    Hazard insurance policy including fire and extended coverage.
    Life insurance in the amount of the loan on the life of each principal.
  • Exposure to a larger group of listings.
  • Many businesses do not advertise that they are for sale.
  • We only work on an exclusive basis with our clients.
  • We’re hired to help screen for serious buyers.
  • We help manage the expectations of the Seller. Price, terms, components of the sales process- most have never sold a business before.
  • We can coach you through the acquisition process.
  • We know the Seller’s business and can better prepare you for what to expect in the meetings. Personalities, client base, employees, etc.
  • And finally, you need a ‘bad’ guy.
    • To handle negotiations.
    • To give ‘uncomfortable’ feedback.
    • To gracefully get you out if you discover you don’t want to proceed.
    • Through this, you remain the ‘good’ guy.

What are the components of an Offer to Purchase?

Get in Contact Today:

Please send me a message and/or your phone number so that we can talk more about selling your business. All conversations are confidential.

Dale Eyeler, CBB

Business Sales & Acquisitions