Selling Your Business in the Covid-19 Era

/in , /by Louis Cionci

Business owners contemplating a sale may be asking the question: Is this a good time to sell my business or do I need to wait until the Covid-19 economic disruption is over?

Let’s explore three interrelated factors to help an owner answer that question for their situation.

Market Conditions

  • Are their buyers for my business during this pandemic?  Yes, there is no shortage of buyers for well-run companies.

That statement was true before Covid-19 and it is true during the era of Covid-19. As a M&A professional, I get inquiries almost daily from buyers who are interested in acquiring a well-run business that fits within their industry and financial parameters. In addition, buyers have access to capital at historically low interest rates, and deals are getting done.

Business Value

  • Will I be able to get the price I want in this market?  Yes, is the short answer.

The longer answer: Yes, if the seller has reasonable expectations based on past, present and future earnings, growth and risk. Yes, because buyers are competing. Yes, price is one component of value when selling, terms are the other component. The best offer is really a combination of the best price and terms available in the market.

Personal Needs

  • What is the best timing for me personally? The answers stem from asking yourself these questions: Are you ready? What will you do if you exit? How long do you WANT to work? Is your family taken care of? Are you slowing down?

Some people think – My business is always for sale, if the price is right. Right? No. Telling people you’re not for sale is no way to sell, at least not on your terms and preferred timeframe. Selling should be proactive, planned and deliberate. Selling a business is a process that takes time, on average, from start to finish 9 months.

Summary

The three factors discussed above don’t align perfectly in most business sales. The best outcome for a seller is a proactive and planned exit strategy. If you are thinking of selling within the next 2 years, now is the time to start the process.  Obtaining a professional assessment of value and sale readiness is normally one of the best first steps an owner can take in the sale process.

For more information on exit planning or the business sale process, Email Louis Cionci at LCionci@exitstrategiesgroup.com or call him at 707-781-8582.

 

M&A Advisor Tip: Work Yourself Out of a Job

/in , /by Al Statz

The more your business revolves around you, the more risk buyers see. To increase business value and marketability, build a strong management team.

Work yourself out of the business by developing an experienced, empowered management team. The less the business is dependent on you and your knowledge or relationships, the less risk buyers face in a transition. And less risk translates to a higher sale price. Also, more buyers will be able to buy your company if you have a strong management team, which increases competition and further enhances the probable selling price.

For further information or to discuss your situation or a current M&A need, contact Al Statz, 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com in our Sonoma County, California office. Exit Strategies Group is a partner of Cornerstone International Alliance.

Ten Key Drivers of Company Value

/in , /by Joe Orlando

In our current time of economic recession, social unrest and political partisanship, simple questions rarely have simple answers. For an owner operator of a small- to mid-size business, the question of business value in today’s market is increasingly difficult. It is at these times that the team here at Exit Strategies Group (ESGI) feels the need to simplify the process down to the basic premise of what drives value.

In explaining value, ESGI default to the simple metaphor of value a three-legged stool with key drivers that determine value; cash flow, growth, and risk. A simple but dynamic formula for determining value is the capitalization of a business’ normalized cash flows divided by the difference between the discount rate and a long-term growth rate;

V0 = 𝐶𝐹1/(𝑟−𝑔) where;

  • Benefit stream (𝐶𝐹) to the owners, normalized
  • Growth rate (𝑔) expected, long term
  • Risk (𝑟) involved in receiving the benefits in the amounts and time frames anticipated

This blog post looks at the key drivers that impact value as they relate to these three inputs.

What are the Key Drivers?

An example of what drives value for a hypothetical company is the best way that we can identify and explain these key drivers. Let us start with a company that makes widgets. Not the mythical product from your ECON 101 class in college but the widget’s that are made to infuse nitrogen into a beverage to make it creamy and frothy. Ball Corporation is a public company and one of the largest manufacturer of these widgets in the world. However, let us assume that a hypothetical stand-alone company WDGT Technology makes them instead. What drives the value of the business; more specifically the three key inputs to value outlined above?

For assessing value, ESGI has a master list of 26 key value drivers that dive into very specific detail. We have narrowed down this list to the top 10. These 10 drivers help a valuation expert understand the business model, operating history and growth story surrounding the business. This understanding provides the expert support for key assumptions that drive value using the formula above such as long-term growth rate, discount rate, gross and operating margins, balance sheet and incomes statement adjustments. They also help the expert narrow in on a universe of similar transactions that help narrow down comparable exit multiples that get applied to the company’s operating metrics.

The list below looks at these 10 key drivers, what is included in the analysis of each and our assessment of they impact the valuation of WDGT Technology.

Value Driver Includes … Discussion of Company
1. Management Experience, Capabilities, Knowledge Base, Trustworthiness, Perceived Management Style, Effectiveness, Mindset Toward Challenges Risk and Opportunities, Growth Oriented, Overall Stability, Personalities, Owner Involvement, Key Person Dependency Company is owner operated with strong upper and mid-level management teams.  Succession plan in place with son in key operations position.
2. Customer Base Type and Breakdown, Quantity, How Tied to Company, Buying Trends Over 3-5 years, Stability, Turnover, Number of New Customers, Large or Small, Vulnerable to Economic Fluctuations, Gross Margins For Diff. Profit Centers, Ability to Develop Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Strong customer base selling to beer industry but niche product hasn’t caught on with coffee and soft drinks. Number of customers is small with customer concentration (top 3 customers represent 67% of sales).
3. Competition How to Deal With It, Competitive Advantages, Specific Niches Within Industry, Barriers to Entry From Local/National/Global Competitors, Offensive or Defensive Mechanisms in Place Unique and proprietary delivery system but others products that produce similar results (burst of nitrogen into beverage). Barriers to entry are high due based on relationships with aluminum can and bottle producers.
4. Financial Performance Growing, Stagnant, Declining, Recurring Revenue, Clean Books or ‘Dirty’, Up to Date, Reliance on Controllers & CPA’s, Ability to Interpret Financial Statements, Partnership with Consultants, Operating Efficiencies, Internal Systems Strong steady top- and bottom-line growth. Large customers help provide economies of scale to maximize margin on remaining business. Financial statements reviewed. Strong internal finance team. Above average gross and operating margins.
5. Sales, Marketing & Distribution Clearly Defined strategy, Any Rainmakers, How Many, Efficient, Ability to Expand Any or All, Technology or Labor Intensive, Protected Areas, Distribution Rights, Supply Chain Partnerships, Synergistic products Strong salesforce and high-touch customer service, especially with top 3 customers. Strong supply chain partnerships with aluminum and bottle manufacturers that provide a synergistic product (WDGT InsideTM).
6. Industry & Market Conditions General Tends Within Market or Industry, Market Position, Any Competitive Advantages, Foreseeable Future, General Economics, Industry Economics, Market Conditions, Ongoing Competition Strategies Craft beverage market is booming at the expense of traditional brands. Competitive advantage is distribution relationships. Ongoing strategies include branding into other craft beverage categories and possible consolidation of the industry under the WDGT umbrella.
7. Asset Quality TANGIBLE: Amount of Deferred Maintenance, (Premise & FFE), Type and Age of Technology/IT, Premise Condition, Age of Inventory, Age and Quality of Rolling Stock  INTANGIBLE: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Proprietary Processes, Community Reputation, Regulator History, Recognizable Brands Significant investment in tangible assets including a state-of-the-art production facility in the Midwest and satellite integration hubs at aluminum can and bottle sites. Several trademarked brands and patented product and process. Strong working capital position industry best days receivable and inventory turns.
8. Product / Service Diversity  One Product or Multiple, Brand Recognition of Products, Risk Position of Major Product(s), Any Related Products That Could ‘Piggy-back’, General Level of Risk Associated With Product or Service, Investment in R&D Increased risk in niche product instead of a portfolio of other products. Strong R&D investment to develop next generation product that is smaller, less expensive and easier to integrate into other craft beverages.
9. Growth Plan Offense or Defense in Place to Cope With New Economy and Industry Trends, New Products/Services, Adaptability, Patents, New Industry Knowledge & Concepts, Level of Intellectual Property Opportunities to grow business beyond WDGT with its New Product Division tied to R&D. Possible expansion of brand and products through acquisition.
10. Capital Strategy / Resources  Ability to Generate Cash and Grow with Earnings, Established Lines of Credit, Solid Financing Strategies, Available for Growth, Satisfactory Levels of Debt, General Capital Efficiency Strong balance sheet with excess lending capacity to allow company to fund acquisitions with cheap debt. Lower cost of capital helps mitigate acquisition and internal expansion risk.

The above discussion is just one of many steps in a valuation expert’s process for determining value. However, these 10 key inputs drive the appraiser’s due diligence and set the building blocks for the analysis and report that identifies, supports, and opines to value.

Exit Strategies values control and minority ownership interests of private businesses for tax, financial reporting, strategic purposes. If you would like help in this regard or have any related questions, you can reach Joe Orlando, ASA at (503) 925-5510 or jorlando@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Pros & Cons of Selling Your Company to a Strategic Buyer

/in , /by Al Statz

When it’s time to sell your business, you will likely have multiple buyer types to choose from. You could receive offers from strategic, financial, and individual buyers.

As you start thinking about selling your business, think about what’s most important to you in a sale. Different buyer groups tend to operate by different playbooks. Understanding what each group typically has to offer can help us target the buyers who are the best fit for your business.

A strategic buyer is an existing business that operates in the same industry, or a synergistic industry. Strategic buyers may be a competitor, a client or a vendor to your business. It’s almost just as likely, however, that you will have had no prior business relationship with the strategic companies interested in acquiring your business. Sometimes, you won’t even have heard of them before. A strategic buyer is generally looking at your business as a path to growth with a long-term hold. Your business may represent an opportunity to move into new territory, new product lines or services, new customers or a new distribution channel.

Pros of selling to a strategic buyer

  • Higher value:  Strategic buyers are often willing to pay more than financial buyers. That’s because strategic buyers may be able to realize immediate synergistic financial benefits. Usually though, they won’t pay more unless they have competition at the negotiating table, which is where we come in.
  • Faster exit:  If you are feeling burned out or you’re just anxious to get started on the next chapter of your life, strategic buyers typically enable you to walk away in the shortest time frame. This assumes they already have experienced leaders who know your business and don’t need a long period of transition support.
  • Smoother due diligence:  A strategic buyer already understands your industry and probably has a good grasp on how you do business. That means the due diligence process may go faster. They will still take a close look at your financials and business practices, but they can use their industry knowledge to streamline their analysis and decision making.
  • Easier financing:  A strategic buyer is usually a larger established company with ready access to capital. Financing is less likely to be a hurdle than when selling to an individual or investment group that isn’t already funded or will rely heavily on new debt financing.
  • Better opportunities for employees:  A strategic buyer may be able to offer your employees a richer benefits package and greater opportunities to grow. Large companies can offer new career challenges and advancement opportunities.
  • Advantages for your clients:  Strategic buyers tend to be larger and more developed than the companies they acquire. That means your clients may gain access to a stronger service team, more advanced technology, or a wider breadth of services.

Cons of selling to a strategic buyer

  • Employee reductions:  Buying a business typically affords the acquirer some economies of scale. Unfortunately, that can lead to redundancies in management and administration. Worst case, certain businesses (e.g., small manufacturers) could be acquired by a company that just wants their customer list and has capacity to absorb all their existing work – leading to a total shut down.
  • Legacy:  When selling to a strategic, your name may not stay on the sign out front very long. It’s often just a year or two until your business is fully integrated into the acquiring company.
  • No equity options:  A strategic buyer is typically going to purchase 100% of your business. If you were looking to maintain a minor equity stake and stay on to help the business grow, a strategic buyer is probably not the right one for you. Also, equity opportunities for your key people are usually limited or don’t exist.
  • Culture:  Ideally, you’ll be able to find a buyer with the same work style, values and cultural norms as yours, but don’t expect your company to look and feel the same for very long. Strategic buyers usually look to shift your business practices to their way of doing things.

I should also point out that there are exceptions to every rule. I recently worked on a deal where my seller client selected a strategic buyer over a financial buyer, even though the value was not higher (though we got them to nearly double their initial offer) and the due diligence was not expected to be smoother.

At the end of the day, every business seller has different goals and priorities. There is no best type of buyer – it’s a matter of what’s best for you. The better your advisor understands your personal goals, the better opportunity they have to find a buyer that meets your ideals.

Al Statz is President and founder of Exit Strategies Group, a leading California-based M&A advisory, valuation and exit planning firm with decades of experience. For further information on types of business buyers or to discuss your exit plans, confidentially, contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580.

 

M&A Advisor Tip: Put on Your Poker Face

/in , /by Al Statz

Ready to sell?  Talk to your spouse and trusted tax, financial and legal advisors. Beyond that, keep it a secret.

Confidentiality is extremely important in almost any business sale, merger or acquisition. When stakeholders think your business is for sale, it creates dangerous uncertainty. Valuable employees start looking for other jobs, vendors tighten credit terms, and competitors use it as an entry point to poach your customers.

The average business takes 9 to 12 months to sell. If confidentiality is breached early in the process, it can put the company in a downward spiral. Suddenly you’re not only running a business, but you’re busy putting out fires and patching holes in the dam. That will discourage potential buyers. Buyers want to buy a stable and successful operation with the only changes occurring when they are ready to make them.

For further information or to discuss a current business sale, merger or acquisition need, contact Al Statz, 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com in our Petaluma, California office.

Private Equity is Open for Business

/in , , /by Al Statz

We stay in regular contact with  private equity groups from around the country to monitor M&A market activity. Currently, the message we are hearing is that these firms are “open for business.”

Private equity firms are in the business of buying, building and selling businesses. It’s how they deliver investor returns. They don’t have time to sit back and wait things out. The clock is ticking as they work to meet investor expectations within fund deadlines.

These firms are pretty good about tracking and studying their deal flow. They have data, going back years, on the volume and quality of potential deals that they see.

What we’re hearing, from multiple private equity firms, is that the number of good, quality companies coming to market is down anywhere from 50 to 80% over a year ago. That means the law of supply and demand is working in sellers’ favor.

We know that some buyers have pulled out of the market. Based on what we and our peers are seeing, I’m estimating that 25% of buyers have left the market. But compared to the number of new sellers who are not going to market, we still have a demand/supply imbalance.

That competition has kept valuations and deal structures strong. Previously, we predicted sellers would be sharing much more of the risk through increased earn outs and other alternative deal arrangements. And we are seeing a bit of that, but not to the degree that we expected 3 to 6 months ago. In fact, according to the latest Market Pulse Report sponsored by IBBA and M&A Source, Q2 median selling prices in the Main Street market came in anywhere from 89 to 92% of benchmark. Meanwhile, lower middle market companies in the $5 million to $50 million range achieved the highest values at 100% of benchmark.

What we’re seeing in M&A is somewhat mirroring a phenomenon in the home buying market right now. Fewer sellers are listing their homes, but buyer demand is still high. According to data from Zillow, new for-sale listings are down about 25% over a year ago but house values are up 4.3% year-over-year.

To clarify, sellers that are faring well in the M&A market are those who have been relatively unaffected by COVID-19 and those who were able to recover quickly. Essential businesses and those who have otherwise remained resilient are still having success in the M&A market.

As one example of the competitive dynamics at play, we recently took a technology distribution business to market and within 45 days had 8 written indications of interest on the table on similar terms to what we would have expected 12 months ago. And deals are getting done. A peer organization of ours in Pennsylvania just sold a company with $4-5 million EBITDA at an eight-multiple (above the 2019 market average) with 80% of cash at close.

So if you’re thinking you have to wait out the market to sell, talk to an M&A advisor before you count yourself out. If you have a quality business, it’s easier to get attention right now. Private equity and corporate buyers have fewer businesses to consider and more time on their hands to evaluate acquisition opportunities.

The right businesses are still selling with strong values and favorable deal structures. The window has not closed for high quality companies; in fact, you may be able to benefit from the current market dynamics.

For further information or to discuss a potential sale, contact Al Statz, 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com in our Petaluma, California office.

Gifting Window for 2020 May Be Closing

/in , , /by Joe Orlando

With a Global pandemic and prospects of a sustained recession with double digit unemployment coupled with West Coast wildfires and East Coast hurricanes, I would say that everyone in these United States is looking forward to ringing in the New Year on January 1st. But before the ball drops on a socially distanced crowd in Time Square, you should think about other changes that may occur as we put 2020 in our rear-view mirrors. Specifically the possibility of tax legislation if the party in power shifts in the Executive and Legislative branches of our government.

Proposed Changes

With no political bias intended, it makes sense for everyone to consider what changes to individual and corporate tax policy a Democratic president and a possible Democratic majority in the both chambers of Congress may enact. Bay Area business and real estate attorney Hubert Lenczowski, reminds us that “under a 1984 court case, Congress can enact retroactive tax legislation in an emergency”, thus limiting a individual or corporation the ability to act prior to the effective date.[1] In a Tax Planning Alert letter penned in late August, 2020, he notes that the following proposals have been identified by Vice President Joe Biden as his legislative agenda for tax policy:

  1. Extend the 12.4% social security tax on earnings over $400,000;
  2. Restore the 39.6% tax rate on ordinary income over $400,000;
  3. Cap the tax benefit of itemized deductions to 28% or less;
  4. Tax capital gains as ordinary income for those with income over $1,000,000;
  5. Eliminate the deferral of gain on like-kind exchanges of real estate;
  6. Apply estate taxes to estates exceeding $3,500,000;
  7. Apply gift taxes to transfers exceeding $1,000,000;
  8. Repeal the step-up on basis at death; and
  9. Increase the corporate tax rate to 28%.

Governor Newsom has already fired the first shot for California introducing AB1253 “which, if enacted, would increase the California income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2020 by another 1% on income over $1,180,000; 3% on income over $2,363,000, and 3.5% on income over $5,900,000.”[2]

A “Use it or Lose it” Opportunity

Before any change to Federal and State tax legislation takes place, we believe that it is time to reconsider the following advantages currently available to those looking to gift ownership in businesses and assets before the clock strikes midnight on January 1st;

  • Lifetime Transfers – The current $11,580,000 exemption on lifetime transfers and bequests that allows married couples to make tax- free lifetime gifts up to double that amount, or $23,160,000. Even without a change in the current Republican government, current law stipulates that this exemption is temporary and will reduced to approximately $6,500,000 per person in 2026.[3]
  • Depressed Values – While the stock indices are at record levels, most operating businesses have been feeling incredible pain from COVID-19 shutdowns leading to record unemployment and negative GDP growth. The sunshine hiding behind these storm clouds is the opportunity to gift business ownership and other illiquid at significant haircuts to values seen only six months ago.
  • IRS Announcements – The “IRS has announced that transfers that take place during our current favorable transfer tax structure will not cause more estate or gift tax in future years as a result of the limits being reduced by tax legislation. In effect, right now we have a ‘use it or lose it’ opportunity to transfer a significant amount of assets under very favorable conditions.”

Tax strategies take time to develop and execute. It makes sense now to talk to your estate planning specialists to determine if these opportunities will work for you and your family. Putting in place a coordinated gifting plan now has the potential to save you and your estate millions of dollars in taxes and transfer more ownership to the next generation under the current temporary exemptions without any gift tax. While you are at it, it’s probably a good time to lock down your health care directive and power of attorney so that it mirrors your current wishes. Regardless of the above tax considerations that you can control, this pandemic has reminded us of risks beyond our control. It’s a tough conversation to have with family but it is one that they will see as a blessing when tough health and financial decisions need to be made.

Exit Strategies values control and minority ownership interests of private businesses for tax, financial reporting and strategic purposes. If you’d like help in this regard or have any related questions, you can reach  Joe Orlando, ASA at 503-925-5510 or jorlando@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

[1] www.lenczowskilaw.com

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: Alternative to a Bankruptcy Sale

/in , /by Al Statz

When the goal of a financially distressed business owner is to sell with minimum publicity, free of unsecured debt and potential liability for directors and management, the most advantageous exit path may be an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC). Most buyers won’t acquire the assets of an insolvent entity unless the assets are “cleansed” through an ABC or bankruptcy process. Typically, the board of the troubled entity has decided that a rapid sale is in the best interests of the company and its creditors, and it is aware of a handful of likely strategic buyers. This article briefly explains how an ABC works and its advantages and disadvantages.

How does an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors work?

In an ABC, the shareholders of a troubled company (the “Assignor”) voluntarily assign the title, custody and control of its assets to an independent third party (“Assignee”) of their choosing who acts as a fiduciary to the creditors of the business.  The Assignee’s role is to similar to that of a bankruptcy trustee. They are responsible for selling the assets of the business and distributing proceeds to creditors. The business may continue to operate and can be sold as a going concern if the Assignee believes that will maximize value to creditors. If creditors are paid in full, any surplus proceeds will go to the shareholders.

Advantages of an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors

  1. Faster than a bankruptcy process, which preserves business value.
  2. More flexible, efficient and cost-effective than bankruptcy.
  3. Company management can select an Assignee with appropriate experience and expertise.
  4. A sale is less likely to be challenged since the Assignee acts on behalf of creditors.
  5. The business can continue to operate to maximize value.
  6. Not secret, but much quieter than a bankruptcy case.

An ABC often involves an auction sale process, which maximizes sale proceeds and protects buyers. They can even be prepackaged, which means there is a 3-way negotiation between a seller, a proposed assignee, and a buyer or buyers. The ABC happens and is immediately followed by the sale closing.

ABC’s do have some disadvantages. Because, in California at least, the ABC process is nonjudicial, there is no court supervision and no court order, so there is less certainty for buyers. Also, relative to bankruptcy, an ABC requires the cooperation of secured creditors and counterparties to leases and contracts.

This is the fifth in a recent series of articles from Exit Strategies’ senior team with insights on valuing and selling distressed businesses. See Insights.

Al Statz is President and founder of Exit Strategies Group, a leading California-based M&A advisory firm with decades of experience selling companies in all conditions. For further information, or if you are interested in exploring the potential sale or acquisition of a financially troubled business, contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 to discuss your needs, circumstances and options, confidentially. 

M&A Advisor Tip: COVID-19 Era Due Diligence, Part 4

/in , , /by Al Statz

M&A buyers are still active in the midst of this uncertain business environment. However, they are mindful of added risks caused by COVID-19.

These are some financial questions that are likely to come up in future due diligence in light of COVID-19:

  1. Did the business utilize any government relief, debt deferrals, or rent reductions?
  2. In terms of government relief, was the business accurately entitled to that relief and did they meet requirements for debt forgiveness?
  3. Did the business take on new debt that would impact the viability of an acquisition?
  4. Are revised financial projections reasonable?
  5. What is the financial condition of the business’s key customers?
  6. Are there risks to collecting on accounts receivable?
  7. What is the seller doing, if anything, to reduce or renegotiate operating expenses?

Business owners looking to sell soon should review their current practices now, so they’re prepared to address buyer concerns.

Read our previous posts on coronavirus era M&A due diligence:

For further information or to discuss a current M&A need, contact Al Statz, 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com in our Petaluma, California office.

Recapitalization Pros and Cons

/in , /by Al Statz

When we talk about recapitalization, we’re talking about a partial sale of a company that allows the owner to liquidate some of the value they have in their business. Typically, this involves selling a part of your equity (usually 70-80%) to a third-party, however some business owners do sell just a minority stake.

Recapitalizations are a standard investment tool for private equity firms. They have investor dollars they need to put to work and a timeline in which they’re expected to deliver returns. So they buy businesses with the intent of growing them and/or repackaging them with synergistic businesses for resale approximately 5 to 7 years down the road.

Using this playbook, they generally prefer to buy businesses with an active owner or strong management team in place. You or your existing leadership team will continue to run the business day-to-day while the private equity investor provides resources and assistance to fuel new growth.

Advantages of a Recapitalization

Liquidity: As a business owner, you may have all your financial resources tied up in the business. A partial sale allows you to take some chips off the table, securing your financial future.

Professionalize the business: Recapitalizations can have the effect of increasing management rigor. Your investment partner may help you implement new reporting practices, processes or management software. While these tools help you remain accountable to your new partners, they can also help the business make more informed, data-driven decisions.

And because private equity excels in developing businesses for resale, they understand how to make a business more attractive to buyers and position it for even greater value in a future sale.

A partner for growth: If you see a clear growth opportunity in front of you, but are not prepared to take on new debt or risk at this stage in your life, an investment partner can provide the resources to fuel growth plans.

For example, one business owner in the physical therapy space grew his business from one clinic to 50 over the course of 20 years. After partnering with private equity, the business doubled to 100 locations in just two and a half years.

He got to do what he loved, integrating new clinics, while the investment team focused on acquisitions. When he sells his remaining equity in the business, his minority stake will likely sell for a much larger value than what he received in the initial sale.

Potential disadvantages:

No fast exit: If you are burned out, this is generally not the right approach for you. In a recap model, the investors are typically looking for a business leader who will stay for roughly five years. That doesn’t work if you don’t have any gas left in the tank.

This approach could work, however, if you have a strong management team. Equity can be transitioned to management, creating a new group of minority owners motivated to drive success.

Loss of control: While you will still run the day-to-day business, you will no longer be the primary owner and decision maker. Your investment partner will be involved in all significant financial and strategic decisions.

So before you partner with an investment firm, make sure you feel like your goals align with their intentions. And talk to other business owners they’ve partnered with in the past, to find out how well the relationship worked out.

Pressure to grow: If you’re being recapped late in the life of an investment fund, your investors may need to show returns in just a few years. That could lead to a situation in which you’re pressured to grow quickly.

You could find your investors are more interested in short-term returns than long-term strategic growth. Then again, if your investor is looking to sell quickly, one concentrated push with a faster exit might appeal to you.

At the end of the day, recapitalizations can be a great tool to grow your business and increase your overall value. Finding the right partner takes careful consideration and due diligence. But with the right fit, you can often accomplish more and reap greater rewards than with a traditional full sale.

For further information on recapitalization contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580.