7 Means of Protecting a Business for Sale Opportunity for Buyers


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Business for Sale

7 Means of Protecting a Business for Sale Opportunity for Buyers

What can buyers do to protect their own position as they approach a business for sale? Some of these methods will depend on the context, yet there are 7 common strategies that ensure clients are safeguarding their bottom line and their future prospects.

1) Establish Firm Timetables

The first way that buyers can protect their own position when approaching a business for sale opportunity is to know what kind of deadlines and timetables are involved in the process. Participants do not want to be rushed in this area, yet they also don’t want to be taken for a ride and left to wait for weeks or months on end before a conclusion is reached. Establish firm dates in mind to help all parties reach an outcome in due course and manage the time demands effectively.

2) Assess Level of Buyer Interest

Acquiring an existing business entity is the type of project that could lead to a bidding war if there are multiple parties entering into talks and reviewing their options. If there is no other interest, that is major leverage for the buyer who can afford to draw out the process and scale down their asking price. That lack of interest might also be an indication of its lack of value and viability as well, so there are external factors that need to be considered in this setting.

3) Review Market Trends & Consumer Behaviours

The prospect of picking up a business for sale might look like a healthy prospect on paper, but if the market trends and customer behaviours are indicating a poor trajectory, that will have to be factored into the analysis. Are community members responding to the service? What other competition is involved in the area? Are the demographics shifting or are there financial pressures with stock availability and material acquisition? Review this data before taking any further steps.

4) Consider Scope for Growth & Development

The here and now is critical for buyers looking at a business for sale, yet it will be the long-term viability of the brand that requires particular interest from these parties. The best entities to pick up for sale are those that can be incorporated into a franchise or to grow into new markets. If the objective is to turnover the enterprise for profit, or to build on success and continue with the project, then it has to offer avenues for innovation.

5) Track Company Financials

A thorough and strategic review of organisation financials is always required for anyone eager to progress with a business for sale opportunity. The balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement and income statement all fall into this category. It will indicate if the business is profitable, if it is turning over enough revenue to be liquid and if it has been burdened with any significant debt.

6) Use Legal Aid for Contract Examination

The terms listed in the contract will be of keen interest to participants on both sides as the business for sale ventures into the next phase of the project. In the event that there is no legal expertise, it is beneficial to hire a lawyer and allow them to look over the contract terms. Anything that appears ambiguous or not designed in their best interests will be highlighted and brought up for discussion.

7) Ensuring Sound Buyer Motivations

Before placing pen to paper and closing the business for sale opportunity, it is beneficial to reflect on the motivations to acquire the property and establish a firm plan of action that includes contingency measures. Participants need to be liquid enough to cover their own financial position and to create an effective program that builds on past success and offers different dimensions that safeguards against past perceptions. If the motivations are there and there are multiple operators ready to take the reins, then individuals will be protecting their own position.


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