Privately owned businesses are a fundamental part of the economy and account for a vast majority of job creation. Preserving these businesses through effective transitions – generally through a sale or merger, but sometimes via a recapitalization or succession plan – is our passion. We have either worked for or owned businesses ourselves, and know the character-building experience of meeting payroll and maintaining sales.
Business cycles are a reality so when selling your business, it would be difficult to time a sale perfectly. Generally, a blend of factors come into play: the owner is ready for a change; the business is doing well; the market has an interest.
Unless you have been running your operation with the end goal of a transition, there is probably some work to do internally to prepare your business for a sale. Depending on your circumstances this could require a few months to a year or more so it is important to include this in your calculation.
Deciding to sell your business is a process and we will walk through that process with you. We meet to discuss your needs and your goals. We gather information from you including your business financial performance, operations, market performance and position and other pertinent information to determine a value range for your business. The information and assessment will help you determine if now is the time to move forward with a transition or there is work to be done on the business to get you to where you need to be to achieve your goals and/or to be attractive to potential acquirers.
When it comes to selling, we use a comprehensive multi-step approach with you at the center. Although we guide the process so that you can continue to focus on business, you are consulted and involved in all decision making. We coordinate with your advisory team such as your lawyer, CPA or financial planner.
Our team has years of experience in conducting a confidential process. We use blind teasers to present your business to potential acquirers and ensure that a nondisclosure agreement is in place prior to sharing any detailed information. Information is shared through our secure file sharing system.
We pro-actively approach prospective buyers, from strategic/synergistic buyers to private equity funds and capable individual investors, to identify those most motivated and that align with your goals.
BTS News
Manufacturer Sold and New Owner Expands It
BTS served as advisor in the sale of PlasTech Machining Fabrication, Inc. to DelCam Holdings in 2020...the company has grown substantially, doubling employment and adding capacity to boost future prod
How M&A Will Respond to Next Recession
The takeaway for business owners: Get back to basics. Don’t worry about hyper growth. De-risk your company as much as possible.
Perception vs Reality with Small Businesses
Sometimes the economic picture on the news seems inconsistent with what is happening for many business owners. Nearly every owner we speak to is out straight.
NH-Based Techinical Manufacturing Company Sold
Hampshire Controls has a bright future with new ownership. The company was recently sold by Diane Rush, owner and president, to Pillar Imaging and its leader Dr. Michael Pilon.
Be Ready When You Are Ready
When a business owner says it’s time to sell, I ask, “How fast do you want to be out?” The answer I hear most is, “Yesterday.” But sellers underestimate how long the process takes.
Looking at a Sale Through the Right Lens
Sometimes our vision about the future is blurry because we aren’t considering the whole picture but only parts of it.
5 Deal Points from the Trenches
Today I work with clients of Business Transition Strategies who are implementing Growth Through Acquisition strategies. Here are a few observations from working on a wide variety of projects.
Tax Changes Could Hurt Net Proceeds
Changes proposed to the capital gains tax suggest they may need to get 30% more in a transaction in the future just to net the same value they would get today.
Good Ideas From Shark Tank Deal
One of my colleagues in Cornerstone Alliance was front and center in a recent Shark Tank exercise. A business that had been sold was put in front of four potential buyer groups.
Buyer Trends in Lower Mid-Market
Other businesses are a significant market for companies being sold within the lower mid-market.
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.