When planning for your transaction, you want to consider the different types of prospective business buyers you’re presented carefully. The buyer pool for most organizations can be very diverse. Plus, different kinds of buyers pose different implications. Follow along to learn the pros and cons of working with different types of prospective business buyers.
1. Individual Buyer
Our business brokers frequently come in contact with individual buyers who aren’t affiliated with an external organization. This scenario can be advantageous for several reasons. For one, these parties have fewer strings attached, making them easier to work with than an existing business. They also typically have years of experience in their field. Nearly 48% of small business buyers, however, are also first-time buyers. As a result, they may require additional training and assistance from the current business owner through the transition.
2. Competitive Buyer
Existing companies often buy out their competitors, which allows them to expand in their industry. This could be an excellent opportunity for a business owner looking to sell with little-to-no involvement following the transaction. These potential buyers usually already have an understanding of your general operations, so it takes much less time to get them up to speed. Keep in mind that if you do pursue this arrangement, you will want to retain business broker services as many unique challenges can arise.
3. Synergistic Buyer
Synergistic parties are another type of buyer looking to expand their current operations. These buyers aren’t direct competitors, but more so companies in line with your industry interested in similar businesses that would be complementary to what they currently offer. A major plus of working with a synergistic buyer is that they are often more willing to pay a higher purchase price than other groups that need more financial backing. One disadvantage we see in this arrangement is that they typically don’t have the need to retain a lot of the seller’s current personnel, so downsizing is common.
4. Financial Buyer
Financial buyers are interested in the return they receive by investing in a business. You may want to consider this arrangement if you are looking to maintain some involvement with your organization but do not have the capabilities, funds, or interests to continue serving as the business owner. Financial buyers aren’t often your high-ticket investors; they may counter with a lower asking price to generate more significant cash flow for the business. You want to work with a business intermediary through these transactions, as they require a high level of detailed planning.
5. Family Member
Many small business owners choose to sell to a family member. Often, their successor is experienced and trained. Having this familiarity is of great benefit to a potential buyer, plus they can rely on their family member for support as time goes on. If this sounds ideal to you, our recommendation is to prepare this person as much as possible to minimize disruptions. If they aren’t ready for the responsibility, your business can suffer.
Source: Sunbelt Network
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Edwin Mysogland, CVA, CEPA, CMEA
Managing Partner, Indiana Business Advisors
Indiana Business Advisors is the top business brokerage firm in the state of Indiana and one of the largest in the Midwest. Whether you are looking to a buy a business or sell a business, Indiana Business Advisors has the expertise and experience to get the deal completed. With over 40 years of history and 2200 businesses sold all over the United States, our team will work diligently to achieve your professional and personal goals.