Frequently Asked Questions

This approach to selling a business combines experienced advisory support with modern tools that make the process easier and more transparent.

Every client has a dedicated deal team that includes an M&A Advisor, Buyer Coordinator, Legal Advisor, and Real Estate Advisor. The process is organized, confidential, and designed to move efficiently from valuation to closing.

The focus is on established, profitable companies with annual revenues 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 that the business has a history of profitability and stable operations.

Advisors have experience across many industries, including:

• 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 for marketability. Experience shows that most profitable businesses with clean financials can attract qualified buyers.

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 allows time to strengthen financials, delegate more responsibility, and address any weak spots that could reduce value later.

An exit consultation can provide a clear action plan that improves your readiness and positions your business for the best possible outcome.

Confidentiality is essential. Buyers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before seeing any private information. The business is marketed anonymously, and identifying details are shared only after a buyer is qualified and serious.

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

This structure provides the same level of professional service offered by traditional M&A firms without the commission expense. It is transparent, fair, and designed to help you keep every dollar of the value you have built.

For Buyers:

Buyers pay a success fee at closing based on the purchase price. The rate decreases as the deal size increases.  You can find more information about our Success Fee here.

Buyers gain access to listings, advisors, and full deal support, while sellers get the benefit of a professionally managed sale without paying the fee.

You will work directly with a real team throughout the process. Technology helps organize the details, but experienced advisors handle the strategy, communication, and negotiation.

You will always know who is managing your deal and what stage you are in. The process is personal, professional, and supported by a team dedicated to getting the best outcome for you.

Many business owners make avoidable mistakes that hurt value or delay the sale. The most common include:

• 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 issues can be prevented with proper preparation, accurate records, and clear communication from the start.

Once an offer is accepted, the focus shifts to due diligence and financing. This is where good deals can fall apart if not managed carefully.

Common deal killers include:

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

These problems are preventable with accurate information, timely responses, and steady communication throughout the process.

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

Strong demand exists in service, healthcare, HVAC, logistics, and technology sectors. Still, any business that is profitable and organized can sell when presented properly.

Most businesses sell within six to twelve months, depending on price, industry, and preparation.

Businesses with clean financials and realistic pricing tend to move faster. Thorough preparation and steady communication with buyers can shorten the timeline considerably.

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A solid valuation requires complete and accurate data.

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 information allows for a realistic estimate of market value and helps identify what could improve value before going to market.

The most successful sales happen when owners and advisors work closely together. You can help by:

• Keeping financials up to date and accurate
• Staying focused on daily operations
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Responding quickly to requests for information
• Being open to negotiation and flexible with terms
• Preparing for a smooth transition after closing

If you meet a potential buyer, refer them to your advisor right away. This ensures they go through the proper qualification and confidentiality process, avoiding confusion or misinformation.

Remaining engaged and organized throughout the sale makes the process faster and helps preserve your value.

Every business is unique, and the price depends on its earnings, structure, and market conditions. The process starts with reviewing your financials to calculate Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA. We then apply market multiples based on comparable sales and industry trends.

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

A valuation can give you a realistic idea of what buyers are likely to pay and what adjustments could increase value before going to market.

Complimentary Valuation

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

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

The right guidance does not cost money, it protects it.

The best time to sell is when the business is healthy, the market is active, and you are ready for a transition.

Buyers pay the highest prices when profits are consistent, systems are stable, and the owner is still engaged. Waiting until performance declines or burnout sets in often lowers value.

A consultation can help you evaluate whether now is the right time or if a few strategic improvements could strengthen your position before listing.

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If your business is profitable, stable, and not entirely dependent on you, it is likely ready or close to ready. Even if it needs some work, guidance is available to identify the steps that will improve saleability and value before going to market.

Yes, many small businesses rely heavily on the owner. The goal is to show that the business can continue to perform after you step back.

If you handle most operations yourself, it may limit the number of buyers, but it does not make the business unsellable. During the sale process, 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 improvements while marketing the business often increases buyer confidence and value.

Not owning your property is very common and does not prevent a sale. The buyer will either assume your current lease or negotiate a new one with the landlord.

Landlords often require a lease assignment and will review the buyer’s financials before approval. The process can take time, so it is addressed early to avoid delays.

Legal and real estate advisors assist in coordinating the transfer and ensuring all lease terms support the transaction.

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

You can sell both together or keep the real estate and lease it to the buyer. Retaining the property can be a good option if you want steady rental income and continued ownership of a valuable asset.

Your advisory team will help you weigh both options to determine which structure best meets your goals.