Is Your Business Ready to Sell?

If you have been approached by a potential buyer for your business, the first thing you should consider isn’t just about the acquirers timeline. In fact, for you to complete a sale transaction requires you to be thoroughly prepared for a deep-dive into the overall status of your business — where the buyer will get the opportunity to check for any cobwebs, leaks or broken hinges. And that means both metaphorically, and physically, with regard to the integrity of your organization.

So, before you put your business on the market, it is important to properly prepare it for potential buyers. This involves both physical and financial preparations.

Legal and Financial information must be organized and up-to-date. This includes contracts, licenses, insurance policies, and financial statements. Buyers will want to review this information in detail before making a final decision.

The physical state of your business must be noted. Do your facilities or equipment need any repairs or updates? Presenting a well-maintained and functional business can greatly increase its value in the eyes of buyers.

And then of course, consider the financial health of your business. How have sales been performing? How are your margins compared to others in your industry? Are there any outstanding debts or liabilities, including potential lawsuits? Taking steps to improve the financial health of your business can also increase its value and make it more attractive to buyers.

This article further details steps you can take to ready your business for the smoothest, most profitable sale.

Get a business valuation

Before selling your business, it is important to know its worth. Getting a professional business valuation can help determine the value of your company and guide negotiations with potential buyers. This process involves analyzing financial records, market conditions, and comparing your business to similar ones that have been sold recently.

Along with determining an accurate sale price, a business valuation can also help identify any areas for improvement before putting your business on the market. Having this information can give you a competitive edge and potentially result in a higher sale price. It is important to note that valuations should be updated regularly, as the value of a business can fluctuate over time.

Consulting with experts and conducting thorough research can ensure you get the most out of selling your business. So, consider getting a business valuation before taking the next steps in the sales process.

Get your books in order

Before potential buyers even start looking at your business, make sure you have organized financial records. This includes everything from tax documents to profit and loss statements, which will all have to be presented using accrual accounting, not cash accounting. Having all of this information readily available will not only make the selling process smoother, but it will also show buyers that your business is successful and well-managed. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare these documents.

Additionally, consider hiring a certified public accountant or mergers & acquisitions advisor to assess the financial health of your business and make any necessary adjustments. This added step can increase the value of your business and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Remember, having organized and accurate financial records is crucial in the selling process. Take the time to get your books in order before putting your business on the market.

Understand the true profitability of your business

It is important to understand the true profitability of your business before selling. This includes not only your current profits, but also potential future earnings and growth opportunities. Analyze your financial statements, revenue streams, and expenses to get a clear picture of your business’s value.

Another crucial point is to consider the market demand for businesses like yours. Research similar companies that have recently sold and understand their sale prices. This will give you a better understanding of your own potential selling price.

Taking the time to thoroughly analyze the profitability and market demand for your business will position you for a successful sale.

Organize your legal documents

As a business owner, it is important to make sure all legal paperwork is organized and up-to-date, including signatures on all documents, before putting your business on the market. This includes ensuring any contracts or agreements with clients or vendors are current, employee handbooks or other agreements with staff, as well as any licenses or permits required for operation. It would be wise to consult with an attorney to ensure all necessary steps are taken to transfer ownership of the business.

Taking the time to properly organize and update legal paperwork can prevent potential delays or complications during the selling process. Failing to do so, though, may result in unexpected challenges and could even entirely jeopardize the success of the sale.

Consider management succession

One important aspect to consider when getting your business ready for sale is management succession. How will the day-to-day operations continue without you at the helm? Will you appoint a successor from within the company, or bring in an outside manager? Having a plan in place for this transition can make your business more appealing to potential buyers. It also ensures the continued success and growth of your business even after you move on. Take the time to consider and plan for management succession as part of getting your business ready for sale.

Know your reason for selling

Before beginning the process of selling your business, it is important to take the time to identify and understand your reasons for doing so. Are you simply looking for a change in career path? Are financial concerns driving the decision? And, most importantly, what are you going to do after the sale of your business? Clarifying these motivations can help inform future decisions and ensure that you are making the right choice for yourself and your business.

Get your advisory team in place

Before engaging with an acquirer that has approached you, it is important to assemble a strong advisory team that can guide you through the process. This team should include a trusted accountant,  financial advisor, experienced M&A business attorney, and knowledgeable M&A transaction advisor. They will help you understand the market value of your business and assess potential buyers. They will also assist in negotiating the terms of the sale and ensuring all legal aspects are properly handled.

Putting together a strong advisory team before engaging with a buyer will ensure a smoother transaction and a higher valuation for your business.

And here’s where we step up to throw our collective hat in the ring – Destined is your M&A advisor as you begin the journey through the business sale process.