Search Articles

What You Need to Know About Foreign Buyers

There is a potentially lucrative group of buyers that many sellers don’t initially think

Apr 4, 2026

Essential Meeting Tips for Buyers & Sellers

The buyer-seller meeting is quite often a “make or break” meeting.  Your business broker or

Apr 4, 2026

The Main Street Lending Program

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 situation seems to change with each and every day.  The

Apr 4, 2026

Seller Financing: It Makes Dollars and Sense

When contemplating the sale of a business, an important option to consider is seller

Apr 4, 2026

Negotiating the Price Gap Between Buyers and Sellers

Sellers generally desire all-cash transactions; however, oftentimes partial seller financing is

Apr 4, 2026

Getting Back to Business After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Historians have long known the historical relevance and impact of epidemics and pandemics. 

Apr 4, 2026

COVID-19 Advice for Hospitality Businesses

Clearly, some industries are taking a bigger hit from COVID-19 than others.  Any industry that

Apr 4, 2026

How to Make Remote Teams Accountable

One of the many, many changes that COVID-19 has ushered in is the extreme uptick in people

Apr 4, 2026

Now is the Time for Focus

As of late April 2020, there is one thought at the forefront of the vast majority of businesses

Apr 4, 2026

Questions for Helping Businesses Survive the COVID

Developing Your 90-Day Plan Those who want to make sure their businesses survive this pandemic

Apr 4, 2026

Great Tips for Selling Your Business

It takes preparation and focus to sell most businesses.  The reality of the situation is that

Apr 4, 2026

It’s Time to Exit. Are you Ready?

Thinking about whether or not you are ready to exit is an important question.  It’s something

Apr 4, 2026

What You Need to Know About the Golden Age of Business Acquisitions

Business acquisitions are red hot, and all kinds of businesses are being snapped up.  Some

Apr 4, 2026

Determining the Right Time to Sell

Determining when it’s finally the right time to sell can be a tricky proposition.  If you are

Apr 4, 2026

Should You Sell Your Family Business?

When the complicating variable of family is added to the equation of selling a business, the

Apr 4, 2026

Why You Should Focus on Proper Exit Planning

If you are like many business owners, you are primarily focusing on building your business. 

Apr 4, 2026

The Top Ways to Create an Attention-Grabbing Sales Ad to Sell Your Business

A major part of selling your business is getting the word out.  After all, the more people that

Apr 4, 2026

What Do You Need to Do to Get Your Business Ready to Sell?

In his recent article in Smart Business entitled, “How to get your business, and yourself,

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business, Taxes & Tax Structures

It is never too early to start thinking about what tax structure you should use when it comes

Apr 4, 2026

Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

If you don’t exactly understand what corporate social responsibility (CSR) means, don’t worry. 

Apr 4, 2026

Understanding M&A Purchasing Agreements

M&A purchasing agreements can have a lot of moving parts.  A recent article from Meghan

Apr 4, 2026

Key Mistakes that Could Impact Your Sale

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” most definitely applies to

Apr 4, 2026

Exploring the Offering Memorandum

Are you a business owner who is interested in selling?  If so, there are some strategies you

Apr 4, 2026

Effectively Utilizing Confidentiality Agreements

Every year countless great deals, deals that would have otherwise gone through, are undone due

Apr 4, 2026

The Hidden Benefits of Planning Your Succession Strategy

Succession planning is something that many business owners fail to think about; however, it

Apr 4, 2026

Business Owners Can’t Always Sell When They Wish

A recent and insightful Forbes article, “Study Shows Why Many Business Owners Can’t Sell When

Apr 4, 2026

Great Tips for Helping You Find a Buyer for Your Business

No one keeps a business forever.  At some point, you’ll either want to sell your business or

Apr 4, 2026

Q2 Small Business Transactions Take a Dip but Strong Market Remains

Small business transactions have been enjoying record numbers.  But as of the second quarter of

Apr 4, 2026

The Variety of Variables Involved in Selling Your Business

Selling a business is more than a big decision, as it is also quite complex.  Finding the right

Apr 4, 2026

How Employees Factor into the Success of Your Business

Quality employees are essential for the long-term success and growth of any business.  Many

Apr 4, 2026

A Must Read Article on Having Children Take Over the Family Business

In a recent Divestopedia article entitled, “Kids Take Over the Business? 8 Things to Consider,”

Apr 4, 2026

Embracing Technology to Boost Your Business

Forbes author Keith Gregg’s, February 8, 2019 article, “Using Tech to Enhance and Sell a

Apr 4, 2026

Thinking About Succession Planning

If you haven’t been thinking about succession planning, the bottom line is that you should be.

Apr 4, 2026

Could the Red-Hot Market for Businesses Be Cooling Down

The economy is red hot, and that fact is translating over to lots of activity in businesses

Apr 4, 2026

Are you a “Baby Boomer” Business Owner?

What is so special about “Baby Boomer” business owners?  Well, there are a lot of them.  It is

Apr 4, 2026

Considering Selling? Some Important Questions

Some years ago, when Ted Kennedy was running for president of the United States, a commentator

Apr 4, 2026

Is Your “Normalized” P&L Statement Normal?

Normalized Financial Statements – Statements that have been adjusted for items not

Apr 4, 2026

Do You Have an Exit Plan?

“Exit strategies may allow you to get out before the bottom falls out of your industry.

Apr 4, 2026

Buying (or Selling) a Business

The following is some basic information for anyone considering purchasing a business. Is may

Apr 4, 2026

The Deal Is Almost Done — Or Is It?

The Letter of Intent has been signed by both buyer and seller and everything seems to be moving

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business? Expect the Unexpected!

According to the experts, a business owner should lay the groundwork for selling at about the

Apr 4, 2026

Selling a Business: How Long Does It Take?

A recent survey revealed that the average time between listing and sale was 9 months. Why does

Apr 4, 2026

The Pre-Sale Business Tune-Up

Owners are often asked, “do you think you will ever sell your business?” The answer

Apr 4, 2026

Buying or Selling a Business: The External View

There is the oft-told story about Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds. Before he approached the

Apr 4, 2026

Burnout: An Ever-Present Threat

Burnout is an often-used reason for an owner selling his or her business. Potential buyers may

Apr 4, 2026

Key Items Necessary for Selling a Business

Three years of profit and loss statements Federal taxes for the same three years Current list

Apr 4, 2026

What Makes a Business Unique

Most business owners think that their business is unique. There are obviously many different

Apr 4, 2026

Are You Serious?

There are three good questions to consider before selling your business. First, “Do you

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business? Do-It-Yourself is Risky Business!

When the owner of a business makes the decision to sell, he or she is taking a giant step that

Apr 4, 2026

What Sellers Can Do

In addition to using a business broker, there are specific steps you can take to increase the

Apr 4, 2026

And a Letter of Intent Is…

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is a pre-contractual written instrument prepared by the buyer for

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business? Not So Fast

Most individual company owners only sell one business in their lifetime. A corporate buyer,

Apr 4, 2026

Why Deals Fall Apart

There are lots of reasons why the sale of a business falls apart. The reasons can be grouped

Apr 4, 2026

Pre-Sale Tuneup

Business owners are often asked, “Do you think you will ever sell your business?” The answers

Apr 4, 2026

Thinking About Selling?

Here are some tasks business owners should consider completing before going to market to help

Apr 4, 2026

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Business?

Many experts say that the best time to sell is when the business is better than it’s ever been.

Apr 4, 2026

Confidentiality Agreement – What Is It ?

Confidentiality Agreement – A pact that forbids buyers, sellers, and their agents in a

Apr 4, 2026

Are You Ready To Sell?

…….What a “loaded” question you may think, but the reality is that almost no

Apr 4, 2026

10 Questions A Seller Should Ask A Broker

Are you a Certified and Registered Broker/Intermediary? Are you affiliated with any business

Apr 4, 2026

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

BUYERS WANT CASH FLOW Recasting financial statements will help you provide a potential buyer

Apr 4, 2026

TEN STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE

Your reason(s) for selling your business and your future goals need to be clear and well

Apr 4, 2026

Is It Time to Raise Prices?

Increasing the price of your products or services is, in most cases, the most difficult

Apr 4, 2026

Visiting Your Lease Again

When is the last time you reviewed the lease on your business premises? When you signed it

Apr 4, 2026

What are Business Buyers Really Looking For?

The obvious answer is probably that most people are looking to buy a business that makes a lot

Apr 4, 2026

Why Sellers Won’t Sell

A recent survey asked leading business brokers and intermediaries: What is the seller’s biggest

Apr 4, 2026

The Numbers Don’t Tell the WholeStory

You’re considering selling your business.  Your accountant or financial advisor has reviewed

Apr 4, 2026

Price or Terms: The Structure of the Deal

An old saying in negotiating the sale of a business goes like this: The buyer says to the

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Checklist

Thinking About Selling? Here are some tasks business owners should consider completing before

Apr 4, 2026

Is Your Business Saleable?

Many business owners probably have asked themselves this question. There are many unique and

Apr 4, 2026

You Want How Much for Your Business?

This is often a prospective buyer’s first response when given the price of a seller’s business.

Apr 4, 2026

A Business Owner’s Report Card

How does someone else, for example, a potential buyer, rate your business on the issues listed

Apr 4, 2026

Is It Time to Make Some Changes?

One of the major advantages of small and mid-sized businesses is that it is much easier to make

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Price Defined

When the time comes to sell your business, what makes up the selling price. What is it that you

Apr 4, 2026

Questions Business Buyers Want Answers To

If you are even thinking about selling your business, it’s important to know the questions that

Apr 4, 2026

What Happens If?

You may not have any intention of selling your business today. But, what happens to your

Apr 4, 2026

Increasing the Value of Your Business

Considering selling your business? Just want to increase the value of your business? Here are

Apr 4, 2026

Unreported Income: “Show Me the Money!”

Prospective buyers don’t want to hear about “what the business really makes” – they want to see

Apr 4, 2026

The Highest Price Vs. The Best Deal

Naturally, sellers want the highest price they can get for their business. In come cases,

Apr 4, 2026

What’s Selling Now?

A recent survey revealed the following percentage breakdown of last year’s business sales by

Apr 4, 2026

Where Your Business Is Located Can Affect Its Price

The most recent editions of BizComps, the leading resource for comparable sales data

Apr 4, 2026

What Will Your Buyer Be Looking For?

The buyer loves your business; it’s just what he or she has been looking for.  He has reviewed

Apr 4, 2026

A Seller’s Major Concerns

For many owners, selling their business is a new experience, and there is always the fear of

Apr 4, 2026

What is a Contingency?

A contingency in the sale of a business is a condition in the contract of sale or offer that

Apr 4, 2026

A Lease Primer

The following is provided as a simple explanation of common leasing arrangements within a small

Apr 4, 2026

Don’t Take the Lease for Granted

The cliché is that the key to business success is: location – location – location.

Apr 4, 2026

The Very Expensive Desk Lamp

This is a story based on a true incident – only some of the details have been changed.

Apr 4, 2026

How Important is the Asking Price?

Depends on whom you are asking. If you’re the seller, you might say that the asking price

Apr 4, 2026

Why Your Business Won’t Sell

What are the odds of your business actually selling once you have made the decision to sell?

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business — What’s the Reason?

There was a study done, years ago, that showed that the reason businesses were for sale had a

Apr 4, 2026

Finding a Buyer Is Just the Beginning

Many people who are selling their business think that once they find a buyer, the business is

Apr 4, 2026

Selling a Business?

Prepare for new management. As soon as you make the decision to sell, begin doing what you can

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business — Some Key Questions and Answers

Selling your business is a major decision! You have devoted your time, money and energy to

Apr 4, 2026

Don’t Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

If you’re considering selling your business, and you are employing a professional

Apr 4, 2026

Ten Mistakes that Sellers Make

1. Not knowing what the business should sell for One of the most costly errors a business owner

Apr 4, 2026

A Few Things to Consider

Buyers Want Cash Flow The first thing to keep in mind is that the vast majority of buyers want

Apr 4, 2026

A Seller’s Checklist of Do’s and Don’ts

Do have all of your business documentation ready. Everything starts with it. Don’t

Apr 4, 2026

Meet the Customers

Some of you might remember the commercial for one of the major airlines in which a business

Apr 4, 2026

The Buy-Sell Agreement: No Business Should Be Without One

In the day-to-day activity of making a business work, many owners overlook the importance of

Apr 4, 2026

What Makes a Deal Close?

For every reason that a pending sale of a business collapses, there is a positive reason why

Apr 4, 2026

Secrets to Closing the Sale Successfully

There are several things to consider when buying or selling a business. The most important is

Apr 4, 2026

Don’t Sell Before You’re Ready

The buyer and seller have both agreed on the sale price and the terms of the transaction.

Apr 4, 2026

Adding Value to Your Business

If you are considering selling your business, remember that there are positive factors that

Apr 4, 2026

The Small Business Market: Reading Between the “Negative” Lines

Experienced buyers of large businesses have tended to spurn the smaller business, citing

Apr 4, 2026

When Selling Your Business, Play to Win

If you are an independent business owner, you are most likely also an independent business

Apr 4, 2026

Ten Ways to Cut It

It’s easy to be negative about cost-cutting. “Everything just costs more,” a

Apr 4, 2026

The Entrepreneur: Both Sides

Strong Points Flexible and positive attitude Creative and comfortable with risk-taking

Apr 4, 2026

Success in the 21st Century: Do You Have What It Takes?

Now that we crossed that much-heralded bridge to the 21st century and once on the other side,

Apr 4, 2026

When Selling Your Business: Confidentiality Is Key

You’ve make the big decision to sell. Your books are in order, you’ve spiffed up

Apr 4, 2026

Strong Selling Points: Let Your Strengths Work for You

“Independent business owner” is a phrase with two meanings. Of course, it means

Apr 4, 2026

What Every Seller Should Know

Selling your business is a major decision! You have devoted your time, money and energy to

Apr 4, 2026

Be a Winning Seller: Good Negotiation is the Key

You’ve made the big decision to put your business on the market. Your reasons for selling

Apr 4, 2026

Ten Steps to the Successful Sale of a Business

1. Make sure you have a valid reason for selling your business. Don’t decide to sell

Apr 4, 2026

Under-Reporting Comes Under Fire

What is the true income of an independent business? This is a question of interest to many

Apr 4, 2026

Consumers Voice Complaints: And Business Owners Should Listen

“Your salespeople didn’t listen when I placed my order, and when I wrote a letter

Apr 4, 2026

The Big Question: Independent versus Employee Status

Are your workers independent contractors or employees? This is a compelling question,

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Business? Follow These Ten Commandments To Avoid Wrecking the Deal.

1. Place a reasonable price on your business. Since an inflated figure either turns off or

Apr 4, 2026

How Do You Say “Hello”?

Answering services, message machines, voice mail, “on hold” music, speaker phones .

Apr 4, 2026

What Makes the Sale of a Business Fall Through?

There are myriad reasons why the sale of a business doesn’t close successfully; these

Apr 4, 2026

Prior to Closing — Red Flags from the Seller’s Viewpoint

Buyers are expected to perform a thorough due diligence on both the business and the seller(s).

Apr 4, 2026

Reasons for Sale

The reasons for selling a business can be divided into two main categories. The first is a sale

Apr 4, 2026

“Loose Lips Sink Ships”

The “loose lips” tagline was a common World War II phrase and was on posters everywhere. The

Apr 4, 2026

Dealing with Inexperience Can Ruin the Deal

The 65-year old owner of a multi-location retail operation doing $30 million in annual sales

Apr 4, 2026

Small Companies That Can’t Afford to Sell

In many cases, the sale of a small company is “event” driven. That is, the reason for sale is

Apr 4, 2026

The Key Ingredient to Selling Your Company

Business Appraisers, before beginning an assignment, like to know the purpose of the appraisal.

Apr 4, 2026

Are You Charging Enough?

A buyer was interested in a building products manufacturer that did $70 million a year in

Apr 4, 2026

Before You Sell Your Family-Owned Business

There once was a family-owned bakery that had sales in the millions. The bakery sold bread to

Apr 4, 2026

Selling: Do You Need a Fairness Opinion?

Much has been written about “fairness opinions” due to the financial manipulations among

Apr 4, 2026

What Do the Following Companies Have in Common?

This is just a partial list: Church’s Chicken, Uno Chicago Grill, Charlie Brown’s, Domino’s

Apr 4, 2026

Does Your Company Have Pricing Power?

If Starbucks raised the price of a cappuccino, sales most likely would not be affected. If your

Apr 4, 2026

A Seller’s Dilemma

When one sells their house, the best deal is usually the highest price.  When one decides to

Apr 4, 2026

What’s Your Business REALLY Worth?

A recent article in INC magazine titled”Street Smarts,” by Norm Brodsky (his column is worth

Apr 4, 2026

Is Your Company Hiding an “Orphan”?

Does your business have an orphan product or service that is doing okay, but doesn’t seem to

Apr 4, 2026

Keys to Improving the Value of Your Company

The first key is to have your accountant take a look at your accounting procedures and make

Apr 4, 2026

What Are Your Company’s Weaknesses?

Every company has weaknesses; the trick is to fix them.  There is a saying that the test of a

Apr 4, 2026

When Is A Company In Trouble?

Companies can be in trouble or headed for it for many reasons.  However, most of them can be

Apr 4, 2026

What Sellers Don’t Expect When Selling Their Companies

In the proverbial “perfect world,” business owners would plan three to five years ahead to sell

Apr 4, 2026

How Does Your Company Rate?

Valuation of private companies is much more subjective than public companies because there is

Apr 4, 2026

Points to Ponder for Sellers

Who best understands my business? When interviewing intermediaries to represent the sale of

Apr 4, 2026

Mistakes Sellers Make

• They neglect to run their business during the sales process. – The owner of a business with

Apr 4, 2026

Fairness Opinions

Since one often hears the term “fair value” or “fair market value,” it would be easy to assume

Apr 4, 2026

Learn the Dynamics and Save the Deal

Many business owners are unfamiliar with the dynamics of selling a company, because they have

Apr 4, 2026

Expediting Change Post-Closing

The deal is done and you have completed the closing.  Now what do you do?  You help the new

Apr 4, 2026

Selling: What Does An Intermediary Expect From You

If you are seriously considering selling your company, you have no doubt considered using the

Apr 4, 2026

Surveying the Business Scene: How Many Sell?

One of the most frequently-asked questions by those looking at the independent business scene

Apr 4, 2026

Rating Buyer Seriousness

Use the following criteria to separate the serious buyers from window-shoppers. (Add up plus

Apr 4, 2026

Family-Owned Businesses Do Have Choices

Family-owned businesses do have some options when it comes time to sell.  Selling the entire

Apr 4, 2026

Who Is Today’s Buyer?

It has always been the American Dream to be independent and in control of one’s own destiny.

Apr 4, 2026

Why Deals Fall Apart — Loss of Momentum

Deals fall apart for many reasons – some reasonable, others unreasonable. For example: • The

Apr 4, 2026

How’s Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Your first question may be, “Just what is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?” We see CSR

Apr 4, 2026

Personal Goodwill: Who Owns It?

Personal Goodwill has always been a fascinating subject, impacting the sale of many small to

Apr 4, 2026

Ownership Transition — Survey Results

Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company provided the following survey results based on family-owned

Apr 4, 2026

An Update on Earnouts

New accounting rules may require that acquirers and acquiring companies report earnout

Apr 4, 2026

Remember: It Is Not Always the Price

The following are situations where the price was not the deciding issue in the successful sell

Apr 4, 2026

The Three Ways to Negotiate

Basically, there are three major negotiation methods. 1. Take it or leave it. A buyer makes an

Apr 4, 2026

Due Diligence — Do It Now!

Due diligence is generally considered an activity that takes place as part of the selling

Apr 4, 2026

The Offering Memorandum

A solid, factual and compelling offering memorandum maximizes the chances of not only selling a

Apr 4, 2026

Considerations When Selling…Or Buying

Important questions to ask when looking at a business…or preparing to have your business

Apr 4, 2026

Reasons to Sell / Reasons to Acquire

A January 2004 survey conducted by the DAK Group/Rutgers found the following breakdown of why

Apr 4, 2026

Keys to a Successful Closing

The closing is the formal transfer of a business. It usually also represents the successful

Apr 4, 2026

Seller Financing — How a Broker Can Help

Another important factor relating to the asking price is the amount of cash involved in the

Apr 4, 2026

Why Seller Financing?

Many business owners would like to receive all-cash for their business when selling. And yet

Apr 4, 2026

Financing the Business Sale — Some Questions to Answer!

Structuring the purchase of a business is an issue that should be faced early in the selling

Apr 4, 2026

Seller Financing: It Makes Dollars and Sense

When contemplating the sale of a business, an important option to consider is seller financing.

Apr 4, 2026

What Is Goodwill?

In the practical sense, when selling a business, goodwill is all the hard work and effort the

Apr 4, 2026

Confidentiality Agreements

“Confidentiality Agreement – A pact that forbids buyers, sellers, and their agents

Apr 4, 2026

The Anatomy of a Deal

The following might be a subtitle for this true account of how one deal was put together:

Apr 4, 2026

“Red Flags” in the Sunset

Unlike that poetic title of an old-time standard song, Red Sails in the Sunset, red flags are

Apr 4, 2026

The Confidentiality Myth

When it comes time to sell the company, a seller’s prime concern is one of

Apr 4, 2026

Does the Deal Fit?

“The most successful integrations were directed by people who placed the common good of

Apr 4, 2026

Selling Your Company — Some Key Points

Settle all litigation and environmental issues before putting the company on the market. Hire a

Apr 4, 2026

A Selling Memorandum

A sellers memorandum includes all those points one would normally expect to see in any business

Apr 4, 2026

Common Seller Questions

How long does it take to sell my business? It generally takes, on average, between five to

Apr 4, 2026

You Can Help!

You, as the seller, are an integral part of the total marketing program. We would like to offer

Apr 4, 2026

Are You Ready to Exit?

If you’ve gone this far, then selling your business has aroused enough curiosity that you

Apr 4, 2026

10 Tips for a Successful Sale

1.Sellers should find out the loan value of the fixtures, equipment and machinery prior to a

Apr 4, 2026

Why Your Company Needs a Physical

  Many executives of both public and private firms get a physical check-up once a year.

Apr 4, 2026

What Makes Your Company Unique?

There are unique attributes of a company that make it more attractive to a possible acquirer

Apr 4, 2026

The Term Sheet

Buyers, sellers, intermediaries and advisors often mention the use of a term sheet prior to the

Apr 4, 2026

Is This the Right Time to Sell?

“Whatever the reason, there should be something other than dollars that motivates you to

Apr 4, 2026

Tips on Avoiding the Dealbreakers

One of the most important steps is to hire the right advisors. This begins with the right

Apr 4, 2026

Do You Have an Exit Plan?

“Exit strategies may allow you to get out before the bottom falls out of your industry.

Apr 4, 2026

What Is Burnout?

Burnout can come with a business that’s successful as well as with one that’s

Apr 4, 2026

Expanding Your Business

The term “growing the business” seems to be the term of choice for business people who discuss

Apr 4, 2026

Happy Employees Can Increase Profits…and Value

Happy employees mean happy customers and clients. An unhappy employee can mean loss of business

Apr 4, 2026

Take a Look at Your Lease

If your business is not location-sensitive, that is, if your business location is immaterial to

Apr 4, 2026

What Do Buyers Want to Know?

What is the required capital investment? What is the annual net increase in sales? What is in

Apr 4, 2026

Rating Today’s Business Buyers

Once the decision to sell has been made, the business owner should be aware of the variety of

Apr 4, 2026

Why Do People Go Into Business?

41% joined the family business 36% wanted more control over their future 27% tired of working

Apr 4, 2026