Is Your Business Even Saleable? Information on Preparing to Sell a Business

You are an expert at running your business, but you need an expert to help you navigate the complexities of selling a business. Most business owners are afraid to begin or don’t understand the analysis process that must take place long before actually putting their business on the market.

If you are considering selling a business in the next few months, next year or even the next decade, you must start preparing now.

When positioning a business for sale to attract qualified quality buyers, you need to take an inventory. Not just a physical inventory, this inventory is an in-depth assessment and prioritization of the following factors:

  • Your company’s financial health and past performance
  • The growth potential of your business
  • The non-financial aspects of your business such as capabilities, brand presence, processes, and your people
  • Ease of transferability of your business to a Buyer
  • Detailed current analysis of the markets served and industry sector
  • Forecasting
  • Perception of risk factors and how they are addressed

The financial health of the business is the top factor that affects the sale readiness of your business. This includes detailed, orderly, well-kept financial records reflecting consistent revenue/earnings growth. A great financial “story” is critical to the successful sale of a business. We offer solid advice and suggestions on how to improve your financial story and build business strengths to get your business in prime selling condition.

Here are some elements of a great financial story:

  • Normalized financials that show the TRUE earning power of your business
  • Highlight results that are better than others in your same industry (gross margins, customer diversity, revenue size, etc.)
  • Growth trends (new customers, new markets, etc.)

Do you want to improve the value of your business? Click here for your FREE Value Builder Score!

Talk to us today!

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.