Considering selling your business?
You can get professional insight by attending a continuing education class for business brokers offered by Kaplan University: School of Professional Education. And it only costs $99.00.
The course is Introduction to Business Brokerage and you can learn all about it by clicking on the title below.
Introduction to Business Brokerage
Kaplan University
Instructor: Michael G Wolff
“In one fast-paced day you will be introduced to all the fundamentals, including reading financial statements, determining cash-flow, business valuation and pricing, and deal structuring. You will also learn about such topics as listing prospects, marketing businesses, and managing negotiations.”
This one day class is a great way to not only learn about selling a business, but you will also learn how the brokerage industry works, which can help you decide on what resources you want to you use and where you want to get them.
More Information on Exit Planning
Exit Planning Timeline
Article: Eight Ways You Can Benefit From Working With an Exit Startegist
Article: Is an ESOP the Right Exit Strategy for You?
Working with an Exit Strategist to develop an exit strategy encompasses far more than brokerage services or that of any one professional discipline, such as accountants, attorneys, or financial planners. We are not stuck on one method and will help you evaluate an ESOP sale, sale to family members, sale to management, phase-out, or another exit method and implement a strategy that is best for you. We have one goal and it is to get the highest amount of tangible and intangible compensation for the exiting business owner while protecting existing equity.
In the event the best alternative is to go to market, not only will you be positioned to get the best price, there is an opportunity for significant transactional savings on a successful sale.Business Brokerage
The standard approach in the business brokerage world still stems from a history of selling “Main Street” businesses (i.e. barber shops, meat markets, gas stations, etc.). These businesses typically owned real estate, which was often the most valuable part of the transaction. It is for this reason the business brokerage industry evolved with the real estate industry and why many brokerage houses still operate just like a residential real estate firm – get a listing, put some information together, put a few ads out, and see what happens. It is an antiquated system that creates incentive for deceptive practices and often results in successful sellers paying fees far beyond the value of the services provided.
It is for this reason we offer individual and packaged services under various fee structures.
We believe success comes form delivering value, not trying to collect a commission. So, whether you want assistance from beginning to end or just need a little help preparing your business for sale, we will develop a plan that works for you.
Business Valuation
Business valuations are performed for many purposes, which can affect the methodology used and the cost related to the report. For this reason, we offer three valuation models to meet our clients' needs.
The Limited Business Valuation is for those that don’t require in-depth investigation and analysis. The Limited Business Valuation is based on a capitalized earnings approach combined with the market value of assets to determine the value. The process is limited to a review of general business and financial information provided by the business owner or person requesting the valuation. It is an inexpensive alternative for those that want to know an approximate value of their business or of one available for purchase.
The Hybrid Business Valuation is for those wanting a valuation for personal or internal use, such as those looking at buying or selling a business. It includes everything that would be done under a Limited Valuation plus aspects of the Comprehensive Business Valuation. Which aspects of the Comprehensive Business Valuation model used depends on the valuation's purpose and characteristics of the business.
The Comprehensive Business Valuation is for those needing a valuation that meets generally accepted business valuation standards. It relies on a number of valuation methodologies, which may include capitalized earnings, discounted cash flow, asset accumulation, replacement value, and market value of assets approaches to determine value under generally accepted business valuation standards. The process includes a complete review of the business operations and financial statements and records. It also includes assurance of ownership in assets and appraisals on all real estate and property typically with an estimated value in excess of $20,000. Finally, any major agreements, including licenses and certificates, are reviewed to address any specific contractual risk.