At SureBridge, we’ve developed a streamlined system designed to help business owners sell their companies successfully. Our team brings years of experience, ensuring that you not only navigate the complexities of selling a business but also achieve the highest possible value. With SureBridge, you’ll have a trusted partner every step of the way.
During a no-cost, no-obligation, introductory consultation, we talk with you to learn more about your business and its unique attributes. We tell you about what we do, how we do it, what it costs, and what you can expect during the process of selling a business—and of course, everything we discuss is completely confidential. Afterward, we perform a complimentary valuation, showing your business’s range of value, and we pre-screen with a lender to ensure the business valuation meets current lending guidelines.
Once you engage with SureBridge, we get to work on preparing the business for sale. We gather all necessary information into various marketing profiles that provide pertinent details on the business’s greatest differentiators and assets – without disclosing any sensitive details or names. We use that summary profile and other materials to market your business to our network of thousands of prospective buyers, as well as internet resources. When we do this, we go to great lengths to keep the identity of your business confidential and use generic phrases to describe your business rather than its actual name.
Once inquiries arrive in response to our marketing efforts, we begin the process of pre-screening buyers. Pre-screening ensures that inquiring buyers are serious and financially capable of purchasing your business. We protect your confidentiality by ensuring prospective buyers sign confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), provide proof of financial capability, bio/resume, and then meet with them face-to-face (if local) to educate them on the buying process. We also present them to you for approval before we release any sensitive information to them, including your business’s name.
The next step is a meeting with the prospective buyer, you (the seller), and your SureBridge Advisor. This meeting is a great chance for you to get to know the prospective buyer, to explain your business, and for the buyer to ask any questions they may have. The meeting’s discussions typically remain “high level” and related to strategy, company history, nature of the business, etc. Smaller details and fact-checking are typically handled post-offer during the due diligence phase. After the meeting, many buyers also wish to perform a more detailed pre-offer review of the business’s financials to allow them to perform a pre-offer review to arrive at a valuation to make an offer.
When a prospective buyer decides they want to buy your business, the formalization of that is typically with an “Offer for Purchase” or “Letter of Intent” (LOI). This document outlines the details of the offer including the offered purchase price, the payment terms, the training and transition period, any required employment agreement or non-compete agreements, and any other conditions related to their offer. We meet with you to explain the offer and discuss its various components. You can then decide to accept the offer, reject it, or negotiate on certain aspects of it. We offer our expert opinion and guidance to help you make the right decision for you.
The "due diligence" period occurs after accepting the buyer's offer. Typically, they use the time prior to closing to request detailed financial statements, bank records, copies of contracts with suppliers/customers, leases, etc. The length and intensity of this period vary, usually lasting between two to six weeks. Its purpose is to verify that the business was accurately presented to the buyer, ensuring revenue and profit match expectations — buyers often overlook minor discrepancies and focus more on significant differences or unexpected surprises.
At SureBridge, we remain by your side throughout this process, addressing any last-minute inquiries or concerns. Our priority is to ensure you receive your funds and possess all necessary documentation before leaving the closing table. Typically, the entire process, from offer acceptance to closing and fund receipt, spans approximately 60-75 days.
A business purchase can be a life-changing event that offers new opportunities for income, independence, and flexibility. SureBridge will guide you through the business buying process, ensuring a smooth experience.
Send us an email or give us a call to start the conversation. If you’re local, we’ll invite you in for an interview; otherwise, we’ll schedule a call.
During the interview, we find out more about your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses, and the types of businesses in which you have interest.
After working with you to secure the proper nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements to protect our sellers, we present you with business opportunities that match your needs and preferences.
When you find a business that’s a good fit, we’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll introduce you to the business, share financials, give you time for due diligence before making a contingent offer, and help you secure financing.
Once the seller has agreed to the contingencies and conditions in your offer and you’ve obtained financing, it’s time to close the deal.
Buying an established business can offer less risk and provide a clear history of sales and profit. However, there are important factors to consider before making a decision:
Consider acquiring a business in an industry you know well. Choosing a field you’re experienced in will make it easier to run the business, transition smoothly, and connect with employees and clients.
Determining the size of the business you want to acquire is key. Do you prefer a small family-owned business or a larger company? Smaller, middle-market, and large companies have distinct differences. Larger businesses usually offer higher profits but come with higher costs, a more complex deal, and the responsibility of managing more employees and diverse clientele.
Are you open to relocating for the business? Consider the ideal location for your family, as it can impact taxes, labor costs, and other financial factors affecting the deal. If you acquire a business in a distant area, make sure to understand the local logistics and environment.
Acquiring a business can lead to significant lifestyle changes. If it’s your first time, be prepared for a hands-on experience. Consider how much time you want to invest, whether you’re open to frequent travel, and how involved you want to be. These factors will help determine the right business for you.
Those are great foundational questions to consider when buying a business. They help you ensure that the investment is not only financially viable but also aligned with your goals, capabilities, and long-term vision.
The considerations above are just a few of many you’ll encounter when buying a business. It’s a serious decision that requires careful research and planning. At SureBridge, our expert advisors will guide you through the entire process to help you acquire your ideal business.
Interested in selling a business? Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to discuss your needs. Our business valuations are strictly confidential.
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