Will Fischtein

One of the questions that we are asked in our work as business intermediaries in Toronto, Canada is “why should I use a business broker to sell my business?” The answer to this is simple: a business broker will be able to sell your business faster, with less disruptions to operations, and for a better price than would be possible if it were to be sold by the owner. This is because brokers are in the business of selling businesses, meaning that they are experts at facilitating the transaction between the buyer and seller. To understand how a broker can sell a business faster, and for a better price, it is first important to understand what exactly a broker does.

Buying a business can take time, energy, and some detective work. It is important that you do your homework to ensure that you buy the right type of business and that you pay a fair price for it.

Once the acquisition target is identified entrepreneurs often report that getting financing is one of the most challenging aspects of acquiring and growing a business. If you are looking for money for your business, you should start by learning about the different types of financing that are available and assessing which one is best for your needs. You can also reduce your need for loans by preparing and managing your financial situation in the months leading up to your acquisition.

We are pleased to announce the sale of this Mississauga-based Plastic Forming and Manufacturing Company, exclusively brokered and facilitated by Beacon.

Many business owners believe the act of selling their business is similar to passing the baton in a 400 metre relay: once you’re finished running, you get to relax. In reality, buyers will insist that you stay on for a transition period – anywhere from six months to a few years – during which time you continue to work in your business to help the buyer capitalise on the investment they’re making.

“How much is my company worth?” is a question that many business owners would like the answer to, and rightfully so, because the value of a business is one of the key factors that determines your business’ selling price. The most common methods to value a small to medium-sized business are the income approach, market and asset approach, and discounted cash flow (DCF). If the explanations detailed below are overly technical and if there are some terms used that you do not fully understand, check out the blog from last week “Key Financial and Accounting Terms Explained”.

It seems like we’re at a fork in the road: there are some positive signs that the economy is entering the earliest stages of a long term expansion, but at the same time, if we dare read the headlines, it seems we’re destined to repeat 2008.

As a small to medium sized business owner, you are already aware of all the time and effort it has taken to be successful. From the first sale to completing the project and receiving payment, you have been committed to growing your business. Now, you have reached your last and most important sale: the sale of your business and capitalizing on the goodwill you have worked so hard to garner.
When preparing your business for sale, there are many key considerations that will contribute to the smooth transition of operations to a new owner and result in a strong closing price. Enlisting the services of a Business Broker will allow you to maintain focus on operating in a ‘business-as-usual’ fashion and preparing for succession.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, March 14, 2012 - Beacon Corporation, Brokerage has pledged 1% of its revenues to support a local environmental initiative in the Greater Toronto Area, as a member of not-for-profit alliance 1% for the Planet.  Today, that pledge has been fulfilled. Beacon has chosen to partner with Friends of the Don East (FODE) and will be donating 1% of its 2011 revenues towards the rehabilitation of the Don River.

“At Beacon we believe that sustainable development is our corporate responsibility and is good business for our clients” says M. Will Fischtein, President and Broker of Record of Beacon. “This year we made a commitment to fund a local environmental challenge and we are designating our commitment to the Don River in Eastern Toronto.”

Beacon Corporation, Brokerage is pleased to announce the launch of a new City of Toronto business listings website. The City of Toronto recognizes the potential of developing small to medium size companies as a means for economic growth. As a result, the Opportunities Bulletin Board has been created under the City of Toronto umbrella to provide a forum where, amongst others, local sellers and buyers can interact to advertise and respectively find a business for sale. Beacon is proud to join the City of Toronto in the early stages of the project and has listed all of its current Businesses for Sale on the Bulletin Board. To view the Business Opportunities Bulletin Board click here.