When preparing to sell your business, it’s essential to make sure it’s in the best possible shape to attract potential buyers and maximize the sale price. Below are some common questions prospective sellers often have, along with important considerations to guide the preparation process.
At SureBridge, we prioritize confidentiality. We require serious buyers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect the seller’s interests, and we present them to you for approval before introducing them to you..
You pay nothing if your business doesn’t sell. Our fee is a percentage of the sale, only paid once your business sells. Our interests are aligned—we only get paid when you do. We’re committed to securing the highest price for your business and don’t charge anything up-front.
The value of a business is influenced by factors like cash flow, equipment, financial performance, lease terms, location, recurring revenue, competition, and the economy. For strategic buyers, potential synergies and cost efficiencies also matter.
A SureBridge intermediary can analyze your business against competitors and recent sales (“comps”) to determine its optimal value. Our documented approach helps secure qualified buyers willing to pay top price.
The timeline for selling a business can vary, but many businesses receive offers within 30 days and close within 3 months. On average, the process takes 5 to 8 months.
Once listed, we confidentially market the business and review it with qualified buyers, with your approval. When a buyer is interested, they’ll submit an offer letter with price and terms, and the deal is then contingent on “due diligence.”
During due diligence, the buyer reviews financials and verifies information. This typically lasts 14-21 days to avoid delays. After that, financing and legal documents are finalized, and the process from offer to closing usually takes 45 to 60 days.
Many of our clients who are too young to retire ask this, and our answer is: anything you want! After selling your business, you have many options. Most entrepreneurs take time off to recharge and then start or buy a new business in a different industry, and we can help with that.
The purchase price of your business and its allocation between FFE and goodwill determine your tax liability, as well as the buyer’s. Most owners can treat the sale as capital gains, often paying a lower tax rate than on regular business income. However, we recommend consulting a CPA before and after the sale for personalized advice.
We have a network of qualified buyers, including individual owner-operators, financial buyers, strategic buyers, and private equity firms. We excel at matching the right buyer to your business for successful ownership transitions.
The best time to sell your business is when it’s performing well, with rising profits, to secure the best price and attract buyers quickly. However, even if your business isn’t at its peak, reach out to us. We can help you take steps now to position your business for a successful sale, whether in six months or five years.
Selling a business can be stressful, especially for first-timers. SureBridge handles all aspects of the process, from confidential marketing and financial prep to buyer screening, negotiations, due diligence, and post-closing. With our expertise, you gain leverage by accessing a wide pool of buyers, rather than negotiating with one at a time.
As a brokerage, we already have thousands of qualified buyers actively seeking businesses across industries, so it’s common to receive interest or offers quickly after listing.
Just as you hire a CPA for taxes or an attorney for legal matters, you need a professional to help sell your business, which is one of your biggest assets and life’s top milestones.
Sellers typically receive a lump sum at closing. Occasionally, the bank may require up to 10% on a “Seller’s Note,” but the seller still gets at least 90% at closing. Some sellers may offer financing, allowing payments over time, but this is optional. Most sellers prefer to receive the full or most of the purchase price at closing.
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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