Pittsburgh | Raleigh Business Brokers – Why Sell?

Pittsburgh | Raleigh Business Brokers – Why Sell?

Selling a business is an emotional process for many reasons.  The owner’s family may have owned the business for several generations.  The business owner may have started the company and spent a lot of years, sweat and tears building it into a successful, profitable business.  Accordingly, “seller’s remorse” is often a major reason for transactions to terminate.  None-the-less, there are reasons why selling makes sense or is the best avenue for the business owner.  Your Pittsburgh | Raleigh Business Brokers cites some examples:

Burnout

According to industry experts, burnout is a major reason owners consider selling their businesses.  Over time, the long hours and 7-day work weeks can take their toll.  On the opposite end, business owners who thrive on challenge may get to the point that the business has just become boring – the challenge of creating it or growing it has been replaced with the mundane daily activities of running it.  Losing interest in one’s business usually indicates that it is time to sell.

No succession option

Sons and daughters may be disenchanted with the family business by the time it’s their turn to take over.  They may have their own dreams to fulfill that do not include the family business.

Unexpected circumstances

This is the number one reason a business owner should make plans about selling even if he or she is not planning to sell for many years.  A good question for a business owner to ask is, “If an unexpected circumstance should occur tomorrow that would require me to sell my business, what would I wish I had already done?”  Unexpected events include such things as accidents, illness of owner or family members, divorce, and partnership issues.  Unfortunately, these events are seldom predicted, and too many times, a forced sale does not bring maximum value.

Need to cash out

The need to cash out may be caused by an unexpected circumstance, such as a costly accident or illness.  Many company owners have much of their personal net worth invested in their business.  This can present a lack of liquidity.  In such situations, an owner in need of additional cash has two options: borrowing against the assets of the business or selling the business.

Outside pressure

Successful businesses create competition.  There are times when a business owner discovers that the competition has built to the point where it is easier to join it than to fight it.

An “out of the blue” offer

There are times when a business may not even be on the market, but someone or some other company sees an opportunity and makes an unexpected offer.  This may be a great time to sell as the owner is likely entering the negotiations from a position of strength.

There are obviously many other reasons why businesses are sold.  The most important factor is that the owner is convinced that it is time to sell and has a clear understanding of his or her reasons.  And, whether that time is now or many years in the future, the wise owner will consider the following: “The time to prepare to sell is the day you start or take over the business.”

Call your Pittsburgh | Raleigh Business Brokers – TM Business Brokers to confidentially discuss your unique situation today!