Buy a Business FAQs
 |
 |
 |
Buy a Business FAQsChoosing to buy a business is a major decision, one that will affect you financially and change your lifestyle. Based on years of experience helping people buy businesses, Sunbelt of Anderson has identified several commonly asked questions. The information below is designed to aid you in identifying a business you like and understanding the business purchase process. If you have any questions about buying a business, please contact us. Why should I buy an existing business?A big advantage in buying an existing business, versus starting a new business, is that an existing business typically has existing cash flow, established customer and vendor relationships, trained employees and market-proven products and services. What things should I know as a business buyer?At Sunbelt of Anderson, we are advocates of finding a business that you like and will feel comfortable managing. You, like every other prospective buyer, have a vision of being your own boss and calling your own shots. Let?s assume that you find a business that you like and its location is ideal. However, because of poor management, the business may not show the greatest track record. Purchased for the right price and on the right terms, this business could become more successful with proper management, making it a great way to achieve your vision of being in business for yourself. As a prospective business buyer, you will be concerned as to why the business owner is selling the business. Business owners sell for a variety of reasons: retirement, poor health, relocation or simply being ready to move on. If it is a good business for you, the reason for the sale doesn?t matter. Finally, be aware that most businesses sell for much less than their listed price. Therefore, if it?s a business you like, don?t be afraid to make what you consider to be a reasonable offer. Remember, Sunbelt of Anderson brokers are trained, experienced professionals. Utilize your broker?s talents and call your broker whenever you need assistance or have questions about buying a business. Why should I use a Sunbelt of Anderson business broker?Sunbelt of Anderson business brokers are dedicated to providing you with superior service throughout the entire buying process. Sunbelt?s in-house process makes the transition from prospective business buyer to new business owner smooth and less complicated. At any given time, we average 12,000 business for sale listings throughout our network. Our brokers work with you to find the business that best matches your goals and financial needs, while also providing key benefits to you as a buyer: • Business brokers save you time and money. • Sunbelt protects your confidentiality when you buy a business. • Business brokers keep the buying process moving. • Sunbelt has more business for sale listings than any other network. A detailed explanation of how a Sunbelt of Anderson business broker will benefit you during the selling process can be found here. How can Sunbelt of Anderson assist me in locating and purchasing a business?A Sunbelt of Anderson broker will provide you access to thousands of business-for-sale opportunities and then help you identify businesses that suit your monetary and lifestyle requirements and are appropriate for your business skills and experience. Sunbelt will also help you understand and navigate the complexities of the buying process, facilitate negotiations between you and the seller and oversee the due diligence and closing process. What are Sunbelt of Anderson’s fees?In most cases, your Sunbelt of Anderson broker is a representative of the seller and is paid by the seller; there is little or no direct cost to the buyer to utilize a Sunbelt broker. Because of Sunbelt’s market presence and expertise, buyers often engage a Sunbelt broker to perform a targeted search for a business not currently listed for sale but with an owner willing to consider a purchase offer. Under this circumstance, the broker is a representative of the buyer and the buyer is responsible for paying the broker his/her fee. For a targeted search, you can typically count on a minimum retainer of $5,000 and a percentage success fee at closing. What information do I need to provide in order to learn more about a particular business?The information you will be required to provide in order to obtain detailed information on a business listed for sale will vary depending on the size of the business, the complexity and competitiveness of the industry, the disposition of the seller and other factors. Under any circumstance, safeguarding the confidentiality of the seller is absolutely essential. It is a responsibility that Sunbelt of Anderson takes seriously; imagine the potential erosion in value a business could experience if its key employees, vendors, customers or competitors discovered it was for sale. For this reason, each and every prospective buyer must provide the following items (at minimum) before receiving additional information on a business that interests them: Confidential Business Buyer Profile: This document will help your Sunbelt broker evaluate business opportunities that best suit your background, experience, financial and lifestyle goals. Personal Financial Statement: In conjunction with the Buyer Profile above, your Sunbelt broker will require this document to determine business opportunities that suit you personal financial circumstances. This information will also be necessary to structure purchase offers and obtain financing when buying a business. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement: These documents identify your responsibilities and obligations as a prospective buyer concerning any confidential information disclosed about a business listed for sale by Sunbelt. Credit Check Authorization or Recently Obtained Credit Profile: Sellers frequently require an up-to-date credit profile as a prequalification to disclosing confidential information to a prospective buyer. Furthermore, it will be required as part of a purchase offer that involves any sort financing or lease agreement. What are the requirements for SBA loans?Even though the SBA-qualifying standards are more flexible than other types of loans, lenders will generally ask for certain information before deciding to use an SBA loan program. Generally, lenders will need the following documentation to evaluate your loan request: Business Profile Loan Request Collateral Business Financial Statements Personal Financial Statements • Balance sheets from the last three fiscal year-ends. • Income statements revealing your business profits or losses for the last three years. • Cash flow projections indicating how much cash you expect to generate to repay the loan. • Accounts receivable and "payable aging" breaking your receivables and payables in to 30-, 60-, 90- and past 90-day old categories. • Personal financial statements from you and your business partners listing all personal assets, liabilities and monthly payments, as well as your personal tax returns for the past three years. Source: Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov. What are the steps of the due diligence process?Due diligence is an extensive and thorough process. While your business broker can walk you through the steps of the process, we strongly recommend consulting your attorney and accountant for a complete explanation. A sample list of topics reviewed during the due diligence process are listed below:
|