All interested parties are required to complete a non-disclosure agreement before any information is shared. Employees can become prematurely worried. Customers may grow concerned. Competitors who aren’t pursuing an acquisition may use the information to enhance their market position. That is why confidentiality is a cornerstone of our operation.
We invest a lot of energy to research, and develop a specific marketing plan for each engagement. We actively develop interest by confidentially contacting buyers who may view the company as a good acquisition. Targets include strategic buyers, private equity investors, well-funded individuals and others. We do not wait passively for interest, but contact them directly to generate interest. Our goal is to develop a competitive environment so the owner receives the best possible value.
We review the company to find opportunities for enhancement. This generally involves an owner who is not quite ready to sell, but would like to take that step some time in the future. The valuation process provides today’s value range, and the process of comparing to certain industry metrics can suggest enhancements. A review of operations may find areas for adjustment. A pre-diligence review can identify details that will be needed for a sale to be completed.
After an LOI is signed, the buyer will begin a detailed review of finances, operations, legal structure and more. It can be a daunting process, with many questions raised and new information needed. We begin early gathering of information we have found most buyers want, and then supplement this list with specific requests. When the time comes, we serve as a conduit for information so the owner can stay focused on the business.
It is best to consider before you have to, and while you can see a sale through. Often deals come with contingencies that may require your attention post sale, so waiting too long might cut into what you have in mind for life after the sale. Efforts to pick the peak time rarely yield the desired outcome. There are many issues to consider, both business and personal. However, it is better to be dealing with these while you have options.
We work with the seller to prepare for a sale, develop materials that tell the story of the company and then proactively seek buyers. These range from strategic groups looking for expansion to private equity buyers seeking an investment. There are also highly qualified individual buyers seeking new opportunities and we have a number in our database, too. We quarterback the process, start to finish, and work with your other professional advisors to seek the best outcome.
Generally, we do not price the company. Rather, we ask buyers for proposals and then review these with owners. Because we are proactive in our buyer search, we ask for buyers to give their best proposals. That doesn’t mean anything goes. Rather, the process we use to focus interest is intended to provide owners options for a decision. There are times, however, when putting a price on the business is effective. We will use this when appropriate to accomplish the seller’s goals.
The methods and tactics outlined above result in the owner actually exiting at their time of choice. They also result in the highest value available in the market as different classes of acquirers are approached and a specific, targeted market is created for the single asset; the business being marketed.
BTS News
Deal Problems to Avoid
It is common for owners heading into a sales process to ask about the chances of success. The question reveals the natural nervousness everyone feels when we head down an uncertain path.
View Your Business from a Buyer’s Perspective
The more your business revolves around you, the more risk buyers see. Work yourself out of the business by developing an experienced, empowered management team, and repeatable processes that depend le
Questions That Owners 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.
SBA Debt Relief Incentivizes Buyers
SBA debt relief efforts are incentivizing buyers to move ahead with business acquisitions.
Don’t Let the Pandemic Sideline Your Dreams
As we emerge from the Covid 19 shut downs, some may be fearing “oh no, I am stuck in the saddle again.” We think there is reason to look at the horizon more positively. That involves taking actio
Prepare for the Market Rebound
For many business owners, the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been devastating – especially for those who were planning to sell their businesses.
Using Downtime to Add Value
As business owners are working to process the impact of COVID-19, we’re looking at how it will affect M&A. The good news is that many companies and private equity firms have been doing well for year
Are Buyers Still in the Market?
We believe that mergers and acquisitions will continue once the current crisis ends...based on the volume of inquiries from private equity funds, search funds and well-funded individual buyers.
Use the Threat to Better Prepare
Today there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of business...there are things you can do to prepare for an eventual sale of your company– especially now.
Crisis Shows Ripple Effect of Business
Our focus at BTS is on small companies that are the backbone of the economy...This gives us exceptional insight into what it is like to be owner-operators.
Case Studies
Precision Machining Company
Initially, liquidation was a serious consideration. It would offer a quick exit but would hurt loyal employees and disrupt the customers who had come to rely on its quality production.
Green Product Company
Our client owners could dig in for the long haul…However, this would take five years or more. Owners simply lacked the horsepower to do it.
Water Purification Company and Young Buyers
Owners decided they wanted to retire. They also wanted to be fair to the staff who had been loyal to them. Could the company be sold, the staff retained and the facility remain in use?
Magnetics Company with High Profile Customers
(T)he manufacturer would need to focus on growing EBITDA to capture interest from major strategic buyers and achieve a higher multiple of earnings.