MATT’S MESSAGE

Some Sound Advice for Potential Buyers and Sellers

To Our Buyers,

Buying a business is often a complex and time-consuming task. I strongly recommend that you follow some important steps before you seriously consider any potential business acquisition.

First you must identify the right business; a business that not only meets your financial needs and objectives but one that also fits well with your interests and your personality. Owning and successfully operating any business is a challenging undertaking so take care in choosing a business or industry that you will genuinely enjoy being a part of. Choosing the right business for you will enable you to meet those inevitable challenges with dedication and enthusiasm.

The next step is to make certain that the business you are purchasing is worth the price that you are paying for it. This requires thorough due diligence on your part and often some assistance and expert advice from someone knowledgeable and experienced with this process.

Lastly you want to negotiate for a lease that is conducive to both the short-term and long-term viability of your business. Make certain that the terms and conditions of the lease are fair and reasonable to both you and your landlord. A quality lease has longevity because it gives the tenant the room to grow and prosper while also serving the financial interest of the landlord.

It is also important for you to know that if you do not purchase the business in the proper way, under the principle of “Successor of Liability” you can be liable to all the Seller’s creditors and vendors including:

• The Board of Equalization for all unpaid sales taxes,
• The Employment Development Department (EDD) for any unpaid employee taxes,
• The Vendors for any money that Seller still owes to them,
• And, you will inherit any law suits or pending litigation.

Here at Liberty Business Advisors our professional business brokers are trained in the science of accurately valuing any business. We try to structure each acquisition in a way that the Buyer can recoup their initial investment in a relatively short period of time. We also make certain that the Business is free and clear from any Tax Liens, Employment Liens, Pending Litigation, and that all the Vendors are paid (and releases signed) by the time you close escrow.

Never try to buy a business from a Seller directly! You might just end up with a sack of unintended liabilities.

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To Our Sellers,

Selling any business for the maximum attainable purchase price requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Accomplishing that sale while minimizing stress and maintaining absolute discretion is an art. At Liberty Business Advisors we will reduce your uncertainty by aggressively marketing your business and providing you with frequent sales activity reports.

You have worked hard to make your business prosper and to build substantial good will among your customers and within your market area. Premature disclosure that your business is for sale can negatively impact the perceived market value of your business. In some cases premature disclosure of a business for sale can even result in:

• Causing you to lose Customers,
• Your Vendors may put you on COD,
• Your Bank may close your line of credit, and
• Your employees may lose their loyalty to you.

More importantly, if you try to sell the business yourself, not only you will most likely devote an enormous amount of time to finding a serious and financially qualified buyer, but you may inviting legal problems that often don’t arise until after close of escrow.

Here at Liberty Business Advisors, all our agents are trained to represent your business for sale discreetly and professionally. We understand confidentiality and we make sure all prospective buyers sign non-disclosure agreements with us before we reveal the name and address of the business, detailed financial information, and any other sensitive information. This will prevent prospective purchasers from talking with your employees or anyone else in your business.

At Liberty Business Advisors we practice the art of marketing and selling discreetly. So if you are considering selling your business please let us assist you. Call or email us to arrange for a free consultation and valuation. Please remember, there is no cost to you until we sell your business.