Inform Magazine

FOR A BUSINESS SALE 10

TOP

TIPS TO PREPARE

Selling a business can be a daunting experience. If you think it could be the right move for you, here are 10 tips for any company owner considering taking the plunge.

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Get the right adviser to help

Assess your exit options

Understand what your business is worth Striking the right balance with your company’s valuation is important. The hard work you have invested in the business means it should not be undervalued, but nor should you price yourself out of the market. The valuation of your business will cover all aspects such as physical assets, projected profits, your brand’s reputation and the prevailing strength of the industry. If you are unsure about any element of understanding the valuation of your company, KBS Corporate can assist with that process and negotiate alongside you, or on your behalf, with potential acquirers or investors to maximise value. It is a big decision to sell a business, all the more so for those who have invested a huge amount of time and money in building up a successful company – perhaps over several decades. Going it alone with a sale is possible but, when you have a business to run, why not enlist help which is readily available? KBS Corporate offers a tailored, unique service encompassing every aspect of a sale process, removing the stress of searching for a buyer and freeing you up to concentrate on maximising your business value. 2

The scenario needn’t necessarily be as simple as selling your business to the highest bidder, handing over the keys and then driving off into the sunset. Is a clean break the right outcome for you? Or would some time to transition be preferable, perhaps staying on in a managerial or consultancy capacity until the time feels right to completely step away? As some business owners are seeking private equity investment to stimulate growth rather than offloading their company, KBS Corporate offer a TripleTrack approach which entails exploring every available avenue to finding the right solution. Further to the hint above, ensure you are clear about the exact goal you are looking to achieve, and in what timescale. Is it retirement by a certain date? Perhaps you want to release capital for a new venture or ringfence what you have invested and accumulated. Occasionally, the aim can be to satisfactorily resolve a separation between business partners. Setting a target at the outset, and sticking to it, will enable you to keep your eye on the ball and achieve the required level of focus throughout what could be a lengthy process. 4 Set your target expectations

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