Our Professional Services is based upon more than 20 years of experience in providing clients with management consulting assistance and Services.
The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) is the largest international non-profit association operating exclusively for people and firms engaged in business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. This association provides business brokers education, conferences, professional designations, and networking opportunities. Formed in 1984, the IBBA has members across the world.
The M&A Source is so named because it represents “the source” of opportunity and professional growth for merger and acquisition M&A advisors and strategic professionals who are dedicated to the lower middle market (LMM).
We are proud to work with are very special network of professionals in Tampa Bay with the Business Transition Council. Here our network has a solution for nearly any challenge a business owner faces.
Check us out at BTCTampa.com for more.
If you are not sure of you business value or you ask y0urself “Can I sell my business?” reach out to someone in our network, Here are a few more reasons why.
When planning to change your business ownership—like selling it, passing it to your family, or setting up an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—it’s key to know your company’s real value first. Many business owners, like yourself, might often report lower earnings to lessen tax payments. This common strategy, while it saves money on taxes, can make it tough to figure out the true worth of your business when it’s time to sell.
You may have managed your business’s finances to show little profit, following advice from your accountant for tax reasons. This practice, while common and legal, often shows a lower profit on your tax documents. This can be helpful while your business is running, but it makes it harder to determine your business’s worth when you’re ready to make a change.
When working with a Legacy Business Transition Advisor or a business broker, one of their first steps is a process called ‘normalization.’ This important step adjusts your financial records to show your business’s true profits. It includes adding back any personal salaries, perks for family members who don’t work in the business, and non-cash expenses like depreciation. This gives a better view of how well your business is really doing, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
It’s also common for some business owners to boost their profits just before selling. For example, a plumbing business might show a yearly profit of $250,000, but suddenly, just before selling, it shows a $500,000 profit. While this may look good at first, it can make buyers and lenders suspicious. They prefer seeing a consistent history of good earnings before they agree to invest.
Lenders, especially those giving out SBA loans or investment groups, will carefully check these financial details. Getting a business SBA Pre-Qualified is important if you want to sell for under $5 million, as seen on the SBA’s website (www.SBA.gov). Banks need to see that a business has been consistently profitable for several years before they’ll lend money.
If you’re in this situation, you might consider waiting to sell your business until you can show consistently higher profits. Another option might be to update past tax returns to show higher profits, though this can increase your taxes and complicate things. Always talk to your accountant or lawyer before making such changes.
We also remember a case with a marketing company in Tampa. A buyer was ready to buy at a good price, and the SBA lender was ready to help finance it. But first, the business owner had to fix the financial records with his accountant to meet the lender’s needs. For help with keeping accurate financial records, you might want to talk to local experts like those at Unbehagen Advisors (https://unbehagenadvisors.com/financial-statements/).
Sometimes, business buyers might offer to buy your business at a set price now, with extra pay if the business does well in the future. This plan, known as an Earn-Out, can make sure both buyer and seller are working towards the same goals, but it needs clear legal agreements.
So, why is understanding your business value important? Knowing what your business is truly worth helps you make smart choices for its future. Getting a business valuation gives you a clear picture of your business’s financial health and worth, considering everything that affects it. This knowledge is crucial for planning strategies, getting investments, or preparing for unexpected events that might make you think about selling.
Knowing your business’s value also helps with planning. It lets you see what’s working well and what needs improvement, helping you use your resources better. This is especially useful if you’re looking to sell your business yourself or through a brokerage. Having a clear idea of your business’s worth also helps when talking to potential investors or partners, as it shows a reliable financial picture of your business.
Even if you’re not thinking about selling right now, getting a business valuation prepares you for future possibilities, like retiring, passing the business to family, or considering an ESOP. Being prepared helps you avoid making rushed decisions later.
For business owners in Florida, getting a local business valuation is especially helpful. It means working with experts who understand the current market and economic conditions in Florida, ensuring your valuation is accurate and relevant.
Business valuations are vital for any business owner. They help you understand where your business stands and what future steps you might take. They are the foundation for solid planning and confident business management. If you’re a business owner in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, think about contacting Business Brokers in Tampa at Legacy Venture Group for a detailed business valuation. Knowing all your options and their effects can give you peace of mind and a strategic edge as you plan your business’s next steps.
Thanks for your time, and we’re here to help. Whether you need a business valuation in Florida or anywhere in the U.S., Legacy Venture Group is ready to assist. We specialize in helping people sell, value, and successfully exit businesses. Feel free to reach out for your FREE CONSULTATION at Biz@buybizusa.com or call 833-289-2491 (833-BUY-BIZ1).