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Exit Planning Insights
M&A Advisor Tip: Avoid key-man risk
February 16, 2022 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Business owners should ask themselves, if I became incapacitated, could my business run without me? If the answer is no, buyers will be concerned about the business’s ability to operate when you’re gone. If you can’t get away for at least a week of vacation at a time… if you hold key customer relationships… if you’re solely responsible for an essential business function… buyers will see risk, and rightly so. To get the most value …
$1.1 Billion Sets New Record for C.I.A. Members
February 16, 2022 / in Exit Planning, News / by Al Statz
Cornerstone International Alliance (C.I.A.) members completed 146 business transactions in 2021, representing more than $1.1 billion in combined transaction value. Cornerstone International Alliance is comprised of 25 industry-leading M&A and investment banking firms in the U.S. and across the globe, focused exclusively on serving businesses in the lower middle market. Exit Strategies Group is a founding member of the Alliance and our CEO Al Statz serves on its board. “This is an incredible accomplishment and …
M&A Advisor Tip: Perks & business value
February 2, 2022 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Business owners take a number of perks from their business, from the standards like auto expenses, memberships, and insurance plans to extras like entertainment, vacations, or an additional family member on the books. Perks are a way for owners to be further compensated for their hard work. However, they can complicate valuing a business. When preparing your business for sale, your advisors will “normalize” your financials to account for these extras. Be aware of providing …
M&A Advisor Tip: Value = Risk vs. Reward
January 24, 2022 / in Business Valuation, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Buyers value your business based on risk (real or perceived) and future cash flow. Consider potential business risks. What could prevent your company from realizing your forecasted earnings? Think talent, customers, suppliers, competition, cash flow. Strategize ways to reduce risk in each area, e.g. cross training, outsourcing, succession planning, customer diversification, backup suppliers, etc. The more you do to take away potential pain points, the more attractive your business will be. For advice on exit …
Exit Strategies Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary
January 7, 2022 / in Exit Planning, News / by Al Statz
I’m proud to announce that 2022 marks a new milestone for Exit Strategies Group – our 20th year in business! I really appreciate those entrepreneurs and professional advisors who put their faith in us in those early days, and I thank the hundreds who have relied on us since. We have grown slowly and steadily since 2002 through an interesting range of market conditions. Today we have a team of 14 accomplished professionals committed to …
When selling your business is your succession plan
December 22, 2021 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
How old are your key employees? This is becoming one of the key issues buyers care about when acquiring a business. It’s not a case of agism – buyers would love for your senior employees to stay. It’s about risk and how soon the business’s pivotal people are going to retire. Right now, 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 each day. In 2020, 3.2 million Boomers left the workforce, and this trend is likely to continue. …
M&A Advisor Tip: The Case of the Missing Successor
December 22, 2021 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Businesses are facing talent shortages at all levels – at the front lines and in the C-suite. In some industries, like construction, talent issues can complicate exit plans. At some point, there may not be enough leaders left to take over for all the owners who want to exit. Now more than ever, succession planning can protect your business value. Buyers are looking for companies with a strong management team ready to lead. If you’re …
How 100 minus 90 equals 20
December 7, 2021 / in Buy-Sell Agreements, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Here’s a story of how 100 – 90 = 20. We recently represented some owners who had lots of options when it came to selling their business. They had a high demand manufacturing operation, and buyers wanted in – offering everything from minority or majority investments to full exit options. At first, the sellers thought they wanted a full exit, all cash at close. If they were going to give up control, they figured it …
M&A Advisor Tip: Make contracts assignable
December 7, 2021 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
One key factor that significantly impacts the value of any contract is whether it’s assignable. Don’t put yourself in a position of negotiating assignability at time of sale. It eliminates confidentiality and opens the door for customers to highjack your deal. Knowing your company is for sale—and that the sale is dependent on their contract—shrewd customers will ask for lower prices or more favorable terms, knowing you’ll likely agree to anything reasonable. You and your …
Entrepreneurs really do think of business as their baby
November 23, 2021 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Many business owners say selling their business feels like giving a child up for adoption. As it turns out, that’s not just a metaphor. Research shows entrepreneurs really do think of their business as a kid. Researchers found parallel brain activity between owners thinking about their business and parents thinking about their kids. In either case, similar areas of the brain lit up, including areas associated with parenting, pleasant sensations, and rewards. Researchers say the …
Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is a leading provider of business sales and acquisitions, business valuations, and exit planning services for family owned and closely-held companies since 2002.
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