The process of selling your business can be complex, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and successful experience. Phil Wolfstein is here to help. As a Certified Business Broker in Los Angeles, CA, I can help you prepare your business for sale to negotiating the best deal, I will take you through each step of the process to ensure that you get the best value for your hard work and investment.
To prepare for selling your business, it's important to maximize its efficiency, earning potential, structure, and presentation. This can include minimizing costs, increasing annual profit, and ensuring that your business is well-organized and presentable. Making these improvements can add significant value to the sale price of your business.
A business broker can also help you recast your profit and loss (P&L) to determine your true Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). This is a crucial step in accurately determining the value of your business and setting a fair asking price. Working with a business broker can help you navigate all of these steps and ensure that you are well-prepared to sell your business for the best possible price.
A BOV is an essential step in the process of selling a business. It helps business owners set a realistic asking price and provides them with a basis for negotiations with potential buyers. Additionally, it helps buyers make informed decisions about whether to pursue the purchase of the business. A professional BOV report can also provide peace of mind to both buyers and sellers, as it ensures that the transaction is based on accurate and reliable information.
Before we commence the selling process, we secure a representation agreement to list your business legally. Simultaneously, we prepare a comprehensive business fact sheet to furnish potential buyers with all the necessary information about your business. We also furnish an agency disclosure that outlines our agency relationship with both you and the buyers. For corporations or LLCs, we require a shareholders/member authorization as well.
We create a comprehensive sales and marketing document that offers a detailed overview of your business. Our team ensures that the document is crafted with accuracy and honesty, highlighting your business's unique benefits and qualities. This document has the potential to excite potential buyers, but if not done correctly, it can also cause them to overlook your business.
Finding the right buyer for your business is key to a successful sale. It is important to identify potential buyers who are not only interested in your type of business but also have the financial resources to make the purchase. A professional business broker can help you reach a wide network of qualified buyers who are actively looking for businesses like yours.
Marketing plays a crucial role in selling your business. It is important to create an effective marketing plan to attract potential buyers and generate interest in your business. This includes creating a comprehensive marketing strategy that highlights the strengths of your business and showcases the unique selling points that make it stand out from the competition.
As an independent third party, we maintain confidentiality until potential buyers have been thoroughly checked for their buying capability, including education, experience, and finances. Checking a buyer's intentions can be a time-consuming and challenging process. According to statistics, out of every ten inquiries generated by a marketing campaign, only one is a genuine buyer.
When it comes to selling a business, the purchase agreement is a critical document that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale. It is important to work with a qualified business broker who can assist in drafting a purchase agreement that is fair and equitable to both parties involved. The purchase agreement typically includes important details such as the purchase price, payment terms, closing date, and any contingencies or conditions of the sale. It is important to ensure that both parties clearly define and understand all aspects of the agreement to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
The signing of the Purchase Agreement does not guarantee the sale of the business. The Seller and the Buyer will conduct a seller and buyer disclosure process which involves a series of questions about each other. Following this, they will each verify the information about the Seller and Buyer during a due diligence period. The due diligence process typically takes five to ten working days, but may take longer for complex businesses.
After all the conditions in the Purchase Agreement have been met and both the buyer and business have been thoroughly checked out, the conditions removals will be signed, and escrow will be initiated. Escrow is a process that involves a time period, trust arrangement, and means through which the necessary paperwork for the sale of a business is processed. Acting as a "neutral" agent of Seller, Buyer, and Broker, escrow collects documents and money and distributes them as instructed by the principals. Typically, the seller will provide assistance to the new owner for an agreed period after the sale to ensure a seamless transaction and provide training.
Contact me today to get started on selling your business and ensure that you get the best value possible for your hard work and investment.
Phone: (310) 663-2180
Email: phil@philwolfstein.com
CA License 01950219