Staying Involved in the Business After the Sale
Our firm’s substantial increase in closings compared to previous years indicates that the M&A market remains active and healthy. Even though good businesses are still in short supply, buyers remain motivated and tend to move quickly when they find the right match. In this process, many buyers are starting to ask owner(s) to be more involved in the transition to help mitigate their perceived risk. For those business owners who have effectively built themselves out of the daily operations, the transition time may be minimal (less than 30 days). However, for those who are more involved in the day-to-day operations
Selling a Business to an Industry Buyer
Our firm continues to work with more and more industry buyers who are very active in today’s M&A market. In many cases, these buyers are in the same industry looking to acquire a business in Colorado or in a nearby geographic market. While working with industry buyers can help increase the market price of a business, there are disadvantages as well. Below are three key aspects to consider when selling to an industry buyer. Overhead Synergies such as financial reporting, accounting, and human resources can often help drive more cash flow to the bottom line. An industry buyer with similar locations can leverage their overhead resources (commonly referred
How Fast Can You Sell A Business?
Over this past year, our firm is seeing an increase in owners who need to sell quickly but they have not put the necessary time and effort into preparing their business to sell. Though risky, some have decided to go at it on their own or have only had general conversations with their accountants or financial advisors without putting a real plan in place. While the range can vary based on the industry and uniqueness of each business, the average is 9-10 months from when the business goes to market to the closing table. However, we’re seeing more exceptions in
Strategic Partnership Strengthens M&A Opportunities in Western States
(Wisconsin/Colorado) Cornerstone Business Services, a boutique investment banking firm with headquarters in Green Bay, WI, and The FBB Group, a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) firm with headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO, announced a new strategic partnership to support clients through M&A business transactions in the Colorado market. With the new partnership, The FBB Group will leverage Cornerstone’s extensive analytic, IT and marketing capabilities with its lower middle market clients to maximize value during a sale, provide expertise on owner exit strategies, and create new opportunities for targeted acquisitions. FBB serves clients in lower middle market, with companies valued at $5
The FBB Group Starts 2022 with a New President and Strategic Partnership with Cornerstone Business Services
In late 2021, The FBB Group, Ltd. transitioned ownership from its founder, Ron Chernak, to its new president, Rob Amerine. After researching forty different markets and moving his family to Colorado Springs in early 1982, Ron founded the firm which has become Colorado’s premier M&A advisory firm primarily representing sellers in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, technology, and construction. Ron will stay on with the firm in an advisory capacity as part of the transition. Prior to joining the firm in 2013, Rob had owned and worked in many different types of businesses. From early beginnings at
What NOT to Do When Selling a Business
Below are 3 aspects to consider and avoid when selling a business. 1) Advertising Too Early While there are many reasons to start advertising a business as soon as possible (especially to take advantage of the high buyer activity seasons like at the first of the year), we constantly see businesses advertised too soon. When a buyer inquiries but financials are not in order and other key aspects of the business are still not available, this can really turn off well qualified buyers who are seriously looking for a business. This is often not the fault of the seller but
Will 2022 Be a Good Year for Selling a Business?
Will 2022 Be a Good Year For Selling A Business? As many start to plan for next year, there are several important factors to consider for those owners looking to sell their business in 2022. While these past few years have been anything but normal, the following three key traditional factors in selling a business remain: 1. Multiples Determine Value Whether it’s a multiple based on SDE or EBITDA for measuring cash flow, valuation multiples remain relatively the same compared to 2020 with one exception. In the recent Q3 of 2021, for businesses valued over $5M, EBITDA multiples
Annual M&A Source Conference
Our firm’s team of M&A advisors continually strive to improve our understanding of current market conditions and the latest industry trends. In mid-October, the M&A Source (www.masource.org) held their annual conference in Houston, Texas. Due to the pandemic, it had been two years since the last in-person event was held so this was a great event to reconnect and network with over 150 individuals representing firms throughout the US. Both Rob Amerine and I came back with the following key take-aways. Despite some pandemic set backs and delays, the rate of business acquisitions remains healthy as more buyers
[Podcast] Rob Amerine Talks Business Transactions & Selling Strategy on KRDO
Rob Amerine is guest speaker on KRDO’s, The Extra with Andrew Rodgers The FBB Group’s, Senior Broker, Rob Amerine was guest speaker on KRDO’s podcast, The Extra with Andrew Rodgers on Friday, September 17, 2021. The biggest misconception is thinking you can sell a business tomorrow, the reality is preparation for a successful sale can take 3-5 years. Rob talks about how to position your business for a successful sale, the recovery of businesses and the current market. Listen below to hear about the importance of successful small business transitions, the pros/cons of starting vs buying a business as well as
Professional Services in Business Transactions
We are often asked by both Buyers and Sellers if they will need an attorney or accountant in a business sale or if my firm, providing intermediary services will handle all of the documentation. The answer is that business transfers are complex and require the use of multi-professional disciplines. Additionally, there is the issue of conflicts of interest. In this month’s article, I will address the roles of some of the professionals that we often see in a transaction. ACCOUNTANTS For Sellers, the accountant will play a key role in preparing the business to go to market. It is essential