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.
Do you own real estate as part of your company’s structure? You should consider how to treat that real estate from an operational standpoint. No matter the size of your operation, having a solid grasp of how to deal with your real estate assets will, in the long term, add profitability and wealth stability. Ask these questions to
help your decision-making.
A client of mine was thinking about selling his mid-sized manufacturing firm and was wondering about what to do about the real estate asset—a large factory and receiving building from which the business operated.
My advice: cash out the real estate now, but continue to run the business until it’s time to hand the reins over and retire.
Rental income became a saving grace for Toronto business owners.
When business owners face tough financial times that challenge their core business and the bottom line, selling extra or vacant space in your business premises can create additional revenue to get you through.