SELLING PRIVATELY HELD BUSINESSES


–SINCE 1982–

Articles & News

Selling Out of a Partnership – Selling Your Shares of a Business

Leaving a business is never a small decision, especially when you’re a partner or shareholder, rather than the sole owner. Unlike selling a business outright, selling shares in order to make your exit has several unique challenges like legal agreements, partner approval, valuation disputes, and finding the right buyer. If you’re considering selling out of a partnership, it’s essential that you understand both the process and the potential pitfalls. In this article, we’ll break down the key steps and considerations of selling your shares in a business: Selling Your Shares: Legal, Financial, and Practical Essentials Understanding Your Position The first

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Financing & Capital Considerations When Buying a Business

Buying a business is one of the most rewarding moves you can make, but it requires serious financial planning. Many buyers focus on the price tag or revenue potential, but they often overlook the structure of the deal and how much capital is really needed. Whether you’re acquiring your first business or adding to an existing portfolio, understanding your financing options and capital requirements is essential to secure a successful deal and keep the business running smoothly afterward. In this article, we’ll break down the most common ways to finance a business acquisition, along with the key financial considerations every

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M&A Law: Legalities During Business Transactions

Whether you’re getting ready to sell the company you’ve built from the ground up or considering acquiring a business to expand your portfolio, understanding the legal landscape of business deals isn’t optional – it’s essential. M&A transactions are complex deals that must be built on careful legal planning, risk management, and airtight documentation. In this article, we’ll cover the seven most important legal matters to be aware of before diving into any M&A deal: 7 Key Legal Considerations for M&A Transactions Deal Structure and Tax Implications One of the first – and most important – decisions in any M&A transaction

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Can I Sell My Business if I Have an SBA Loan?

If you’re a small business owner considering selling your company and have an active SBA (Small Business Administration) loan, you might be wondering how that affects the process. The good news is: yes, you can sell your business if you have an SBA loan, but there are specific steps you must take to remain compliant and ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know to sell a business with an outstanding SBA loan, what challenges you might encounter, and how to prepare for a successful sale: Understanding SBA Loans and Their Implications SBA

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Business Transactions 101: Mergers, Acquisitions & Business “Takeovers”

In the world of business transactions, not all deals are created equal. While some companies join forces amicably over handshakes and mutual agreements, others are thrust into high-stakes corporate battles where control is seized against management’s wishes. Whether you’re a business owner considering selling or an investor eyeing opportunities, understanding the key differences between friendly acquisitions and takeovers is essential. In this article, we’ll break down how acquisitions and takeovers work, their pros and cons, and what they mean for businesses down the line. What Is A Friendly Acquisition? A friendly acquisition occurs when one company purchases another with the

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The Differences Between Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are powerful strategies businesses use to grow, expand market share, and gain a competitive edge. While mergers and acquisitions are often used interchangeably, these terms represent distinctly different transaction types with unique operational, financial, and legal implications. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial in order to properly evaluate potential growth opportunities and make informed, strategic decisions. Mergers and Acquisitions: A Strategic Guide for Business Owners Defining Mergers and Acquisitions What Is a Merger? A merger occurs when two companies of relatively equal size and market influence combine to form a new, singular entity. Mergers

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Business Taxes and Selling: Considerations & Strategies

Selling a business is a major financial decision, and there’s a lot to consider—determining its value, finding the right buyer, and successfully negotiating a deal. In addition, one crucial factor that often gets overlooked during the pre-sale process is taxes. Understanding the tax implications of selling your business can help you maximize your earnings and ensure a smooth transition. In this article, we’ll break down key tax considerations and strategies to help you navigate the business sale process: How Taxes Affect the Sale of Your Business When you sell a business, the transaction can be subject to multiple taxes, including

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The Economy’s Effect on Business Transactions

The economy serves as a powerful force that shapes the way businesses operate and evolve. Economic conditions influence nearly every aspect of strategic decision-making for M&A activity. Factors such as economic growth, inflation, and stock market trends all determine how businesses assess opportunities, execute transactions, and manage risks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone seeking to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of business transactions. This article explores these influences to provide a better understanding of how the broader economic environment affects business decision-making: 7 Economical Factors That Influence Business Transactions Economic Growth and Business Valuation Economic growth significantly

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Identifying Intangible and “Off-Sheet” Assets

When valuating a business for sale, the numbers on the balance sheet often paint an incomplete picture. Beyond tangible assets like real estate, machinery, or inventory, there lies a world of intangible and off-sheet assets that can significantly influence a company’s value. These unseen factors may not have a direct price tag, but they can make or break the desirability and future profitability of a business. This article explores ten key intangible assets that buyers and sellers alike should consider when assessing the true worth of a business: 10 Key Intangible Assets to Consider When Valuating a Business for Sale

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Who Pays Sales Tax When Selling a Business?

Selling a business is a complex process that involves far more than negotiating a price and signing paperwork. One critical yet often misunderstood aspect of selling a business is determining who is responsible for paying sales taxes once the sale is finalized. Whether you’re selling equipment, transferring ownership of a business entity, or dealing with intangible assets like intellectual property, understanding the rules surrounding sales tax is essential for a smooth and compliant sale. Who Is Responsible for Sales Taxes During a Business Sale? When selling parts or the entirety of a business, the responsibility for sales tax may depend

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