How to sell my business FAQ

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The first contact RBG Inc. makes with the market of buyers for your business is via a blind (anonymous) profile of your company. Your location is described in general terms and so are the details of your company. Key financials are presented as well as a description of your products and services, along with its opportunities for growth. Your company is not identified in the profile. By hiring RBG, who is responsible for preparing the documentation and handling the marketing process, you can ensure that the process remains confidential.

This also allows you the freedom to continue to focus on running your business throughout the sale process - a key aspect of maximizing your closing price. RBG's process maintains your confidentiality by only releasing information about your business to qualified buyers who work under our confidentiality agreement.

 Yes. For most small businesses RBG does not charge upfront fees. We will do a free value assessment that  will give you a value range that you could expect in the marketplace. We do this before we contract to list your business for sale to make sure your expectations are realistic. Call us or e-mail us and we will be happy to discuss value. 

  Historically, only about 20% to 25% of businesses that go to market actually sell. Even of firms that are considered mid-sized (businesses with sales of $10 to $50 million and 100 to 500 employees) only 50% will sell.

National statistics indicate the average time on the market for around 82% of businesses is four to 12 months. Fewer than 10% of businesses sell more quickly, and about 8% are on the market for more than 12 months. Price and terms of the sale have the biggest impact on timing. Documentation and records are also a factor. However, working with a business broker on selling a business greatly increases your ability to sell your business.

 One year minimum. National statistics indicate that on an average, businesses are sold within four to 12 months. 

 There are many reasons, but here are a few dominant ones.

1) Overvaluation. Many sellers want to "test the waters" and overprice the business. Today's buyer is educated and usually business-savvy. There is so much pricing data available. Buyers know when a business is overpriced.

2)Sellers are not willing to finance a portion of the sale price . If the business does not qualify for SBA lending, most buyers are not willing or are unable to pay 100% cash to make the acquisition. In many cases the seller will be called upon to assist in the financing. Studies have shown that sellers who are willing to finance a portion of the purchase price will receive a higher price.

3) Declining business revenues

4) Sellers are not willing to negotiate

5) Inaccurate financial records that don't pass buyer's due diligence.

6) Sellers get cold feet and withdraw from the market.

7) Sellers, too often, listen to well-meaning outside relatives, friends or advisors who really don't have sufficient knowledge of the selling process. Sellers who don't use a professional business broker/intermediary are at a disadvantage. These outside professionals know the marketplace and greatly assist in finding the right buyer. They are a "value-added" service and will more than justify their fee. The seller who represents himself or herself will almost never get the price that a business broker professional will obtain.

8) Landlord issues -  After a buyer and seller have “negotiated” a deal is that the landlord cannot come to terms with the seller and/or buyer.

9) Financing is not available

Financial data we review includes the past three to five years of:

• income statements
• balance sheets
• tax returns
• equipment list and appraisals
• property/building appraisals