We are sure you have a lot of questions. We hope to make this an easy process for you in making the right decision.

Setting Your Price and Terms

The most frequently asked question for selling a business are; how sellable is my business, given my circumstances?

How can I achieve the maximum selling price?
What is the true and accurate value of my business?
What terms will I have to consider and how do they affect my asking price?

I want to address the subject of valuation so you can be better prepared as your time to sell draws near. Although there are multiple methods to determine worth, there are three popular methods used to determine a selling price. Let's look at the three individually and remember that the final asking price will weigh all three of these and factors from several other methods.

Multiple of Earnings

Here a multiple of the cash flow of the business is used to calculate value. Generally using your EBITDA as a measure of profitability, you'll take that annual figure of profit and add back any discretionary expenditures. For instance factor your salary as the owner or a payment on a vehicle that you are driving back into the businesses profit. Your broker will then use this total discretionary cash flow as tool to gauge a selling price based on a multiplier for your industry.

Market Based Comparison

Utilizing data from recent sales of a similar business that has sold, and adjusting for obvious differences. Businesses are as unique as their owners and often times your business model, location, or reputation will be difficult to match. The comparable market method will help provide a reality check as you take into account all data from the various valuation methods.

Asset Valuation
Assets of the business factor in to the determination of a final selling price. Tangible assets such as property, fixtures, equipment, inventory, etc. along with intangible assets like good will, brand, and position in the market and tenure in the market all combine to help build that final sales figure.