For Business Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and it comes with a lot of questions. Below are answers from three angles: who we are and how we work, how business sale transactions actually function, and the questions that apply to you and your company as you explore your options.

What makes you different from other business brokers

We combine experienced advisory support with modern tools that make the process easier and more transparent.

Every client gets a dedicated deal team: an M&A advisor, a buyer coordinator, a legal advisor and a real estate advisor. The process is organized, confidential, and built to move efficiently from valuation to closing.

Qualified owners can also use the Zero-Fee Advantage, where the buyer covers the success fee at closing, so you sell without paying a commission.

What kinds of businesses do you represent

Established, profitable companies with annual revenue between $750,000 and $20 million and earnings above $200,000.

Clients include local service providers, healthcare companies, contractors, manufacturers, restaurants and professional service firms. The most important factor is a history of profitability and stable operations.

What industries do you work in

Our advisors have experience across:

• Home and commercial services
• Construction and contracting
• Healthcare and medical practices
• Manufacturing and distribution
• Professional, financial and insurance services
• Automotive and transportation
• Hospitality, restaurants and retail

If your business type is not listed it can still be evaluated. Most profitable businesses with clean financials attract qualified buyers.

Do you provide exit planning if I am only in the planning stages

Yes. Early planning helps you understand value, timing and what buyers look for. You do not have to be ready to sell to start preparing.

Planning one to three years before an exit gives you time to strengthen financials, delegate responsibility and address weak spots that would otherwise reduce value later. An exit consultation gives you a clear action plan.

How do you protect confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential. Buyers sign a non-disclosure agreement before seeing any private information. The business is marketed anonymously, and identifying details are shared only once a buyer is qualified and serious.

What are the fees associated with selling my business

Qualified owners can sell at no cost under the Zero-Fee Advantage. You get full advisory representation, including valuation, marketing, buyer screening, negotiation and closing, and the success fee is paid by the buyer when the deal closes.

Buyers pay a success fee at closing based on the purchase price, and the rate steps down as the deal size increases. The full schedule is on the Success Fee page.

Will I work with real people or just a platform

You work with a real team throughout. Technology organizes the details, but experienced advisors handle strategy, communication and negotiation. You will always know who is managing your deal and what stage it is in.

What are the most common mistakes owners make when selling

• Going to market with poor or incomplete financials
• Setting an unrealistic asking price
• Talking to only one potential buyer
• Revealing the sale too early
• Letting emotions drive decisions
• Neglecting operations during the process
• Ignoring tax and legal planning
• Trying to sell without professional help

Most of these are preventable with preparation, accurate records and clear communication from the start.

What are the biggest issues that kill deals

Once an offer is accepted the focus shifts to due diligence and financing, which is where good deals fall apart if they are not managed carefully. The common causes:

• Financials that do not match what was first represented
• Lease or landlord problems discovered late
• Surprises during due diligence
• Slow or incomplete responses to buyer requests
• Emotional reactions during negotiations
• Financing delays or denials
• Miscommunication between the parties

What types of businesses are most in demand

Buyers want companies that generate steady profits and run efficiently. Businesses that are growing, have recurring revenue, and can operate without the owner's daily involvement attract the most offers.

Demand is strong in service, healthcare, HVAC, logistics and technology. That said, any profitable, organized business can sell when presented properly.

How long does it take to sell a business

Most businesses sell within six to twelve months, depending on price, industry and preparation. Clean financials and realistic pricing move faster.

More detail: how long will it take to sell my business.

What information is needed to complete a valuation

Financial information:

• Three years of tax returns
• Current profit and loss statement and balance sheet
• Details on owner compensation and discretionary expenses

Operational information:

• Overview of products or services
• List of assets and equipment
• Lease or property information
• Key employee roles

This allows a realistic estimate of market value and identifies what could improve value before going to market.

What can I do to help my sale succeed

• Keep financials up to date and accurate
• Stay focused on daily operations
• Maintain confidentiality
• Respond quickly to requests for information
• Be open to negotiation and flexible on terms
• Prepare for a smooth transition after closing

If a potential buyer approaches you directly, refer them to your advisor straight away so they go through proper qualification and confidentiality.

How much will my business sell for

It depends on earnings, structure and market conditions. We start by reviewing your financials to calculate Seller's Discretionary Earnings or EBITDA, then apply market multiples based on comparable sales and industry trends.

Strong cash flow, clean books and a business that runs without heavy owner involvement bring higher offers. Companies that depend entirely on the owner, or lack documentation, usually sell for less.

Start with a complimentary valuation.

Should I hire an advisor to sell my business

Yes. Selling involves valuation, marketing, buyer qualification, negotiation, due diligence and coordination with lenders and attorneys.

Owners who sell on their own often spend months with unqualified buyers, or make costly mistakes in structure or pricing. A skilled advisor manages the process, maintains confidentiality and protects your value.

When is the right time to sell

When the business is healthy, the market is active and you are ready for a transition. Buyers pay the most when profits are consistent, systems are stable, and the owner is still engaged. Waiting until performance declines or burnout sets in usually lowers value.

More detail: how to know if it is time to sell your business.

Is my business ready to sell

If it is profitable, stable and not entirely dependent on you, it is likely ready or close to it. If it needs work, we can identify the steps that improve saleability and value before you go to market.

If my business depends on me, is it still saleable

Yes. Many small businesses lean heavily on the owner. The goal is showing the business can keep performing after you step back. It helps to:

• Document key procedures and processes
• Train or promote staff to take on more responsibility
• Strengthen customer and vendor relationships
• Plan for a short transition period after the sale

Working on these while the business is marketed often increases both buyer confidence and value.

I do not own my real estate. How does a sale work with my landlord

Not owning your property is common and does not prevent a sale. The buyer either assumes your lease or negotiates a new one.

Landlords usually require a lease assignment and will review the buyer's financials first. That takes time, so we address it early.

More detail: my landlord can kill my deal.

I own the real estate. How is it valued, and should I keep it

The business and the real estate are valued separately. The business is priced on earnings, cash flow and market multiples; the property is valued as a commercial investment on location, condition and comparable sales.

You can sell both together, or keep the property and lease it to the buyer. Retaining it can make sense if you want steady rental income and continued ownership of the asset.

What happens to my employees after the sale

Most buyers want to keep the team, because they understand how much of the business depends on it. The goal is a transition that minimizes disruption and keeps staff confident about the change in ownership.

Ready to talk

Every conversation is confidential and there is no cost to start. Book an exit consultation, request a complimentary valuation, or contact an advisor.