HOW TO BUY A BUSINESS

Determine Your Purchase Objectives

Time, Money & Talent

Think this through as this is the foundation to what type of company you will acquire that fits your lifestyle and return on investment goals.

• How much time do you have available to manage the company or oversee the investment
• How much money do you have to invest
• Will you need bank financing, do you have a good credit score & history
  
• Current skills and relationships that you can use to leverage and grow your business
  

Determine Your Team of Experts 

Leverage experience and expertise to get the most out of your nest egg

Form a team of experts to help you through this journey.  You likely will need a business broker or investment banker, M&A experienced attorney, banker/lender, and an accountant.  For those with larger transactions, you should get a wealth advisor and tax accountant involved.

Identify a List of Companies to Target 

Cast the net

Now that you know what you are looking for and who is going to help you look for it, it is time to start searching.  Your business broker will likely start looking at the websites that sell companies, such as bizbuysell.com and others.

When you see companies that fit your parameters, you will have to request for more information from the listing broker.  At this time a Non-disclosure Agreement is typically asked for, along with a Personal Financial Statement.  The sellers rep is beginning the qualification process to see if you have the wherewithal and financial ability to get a deal done.

Determine the Value of the Companies to You

Everything boils down to risk and return

You have submitted an NDA and received a summary of the business and high-level financial information.  With this information you should be able to gauge a range of value for this enterprise.   

Pay attention to the profitability (profit margins), risk vs return, time needed to keep the business operating, is the owner the secret sauce, and many other factors.

Secure Financing Options

Equity, Debt & Creative Structures

Make an Offer on the Business that Best Suits Your Objectives and Projected ROI

time for a meeting of the minds

The stars are aligning and you have a target.  Now is the time to make an offer and hopefully begin negotiations.

Perform Due Diligence on Accepted Offer

Trust but verify

Negotiate Final Terms and Contracts & Close the Sale

Sign the docs, transfer the funds, shake hands

Due diligence has been overwhelming I am sure.  Almost there but now it is time to document this deal.  You and your attorney will be talking regularly.  Be smart on what terms to negotiate and what general terms that negotiating is a waste of time.

In most states, an attorney is required to close a transfer of company from one owner to another.  In Georgia, where we are located an attorney is required.

Purposeful Transition Into Operating Your New Company

The buck stops with you

The funds have been transferred.  Cap tables have a new structure and you are the new owner.  It is your turn to make or make this business.  Make sure you have a plan to get integrated and that you utilize the seller's transition time to the best of your ability.  They will probably not have much interest after their contractual agreement is complete.