Questions That Owners Should Consider

We have had many conversations with business owners in the lower mid-market who are unsure about the future and wonder whether they should sell or hold.

Here are three things we should make sure owners think about.

What matters most to you?

Is it the highest price for you, the best outcome for the business or a plan that offers freedom? Ultimately your thinking will impact the transfer and strategy. Getting the highest price may not mean the best outcome for the business, and your legacy.

Who do you listen to most closely?

Most of us have advisors, official and unofficial, who influence our decisions. Now’s a time to consult them. They know you well, and may offer helpful advice. These could be an accountant, an attorney, a relative. We often are in the conversation from a transaction perspective. An honest talk increases the prospect of a good outcome.

Have you saved funds outside the business?

This issue will impact your flexibility. It is common for owners to reinvest everything into their business as it develops. But putting funds away outside the company for retirement can give you more options when it is time for a sale.

Get a close look at your options by contacting us for a no-obligation meeting. We will review the options and outline the process we use. We work exclusively with companies like yours. We use a tried and true process to achieve a successful outcome. Most of our clients meet with us at least once or twice before making a decision.

What our clients are saying...

“New Image Coatings, owners of Seal-Once, retained Business Transition Strategies in April of 2015 to locate a strategic buyer for the company. This was successfully completed during April of 2016 when we were acquired by UC Coatings of Buffalo, New York. Working at our side throughout this process were John Howe director, and Ken Schaefer, deputy director, of Business Transition Strategies. From the start of the project, where the information memorandum was developed, to helping us create the management presentation to acquirers, through negotiating the letter of intent and then the definitive agreement, they were there with me and our professional team every step of the way. It took nearly one year to the day to complete the project, but they never lost focus on my best interests and helped me keep my eye on business. This sale was very complex. It included transfer of trade secrets from the product developer, …as well as the transfer of a manufacturing and licensing agreement we had with the core compound producer… John and Ken marketed the company to a range of strategic acquirers, including a number of private equity groups and their platform companies, which ultimately resulted in an agreement with United Coatings… BTS’s level of expertise in the process and close attention to detail enabled us to successfully navigate the deal. I would recommend John Howe and Ken Schaefer to any company owner considering selling.”

- Hank Croteau

New Image Coatings