Tag archives for searcher - Page 3
Making Offers
Making offers quickly and often in your search is critical to buying a business. As in sports, taking frequent "shots on goal" is always better than waiting for the "perfect" opening. After all, the offer…
Working Capital
In many ways, search is all about the details. A detail that cannot be overlooked is the treatment of working capital in the transaction. If saved until the final drafts of the P&S agreement, the…
Raising Equity Capital
At some point in your search process, you will need to raise capital from investors and, more importantly, propose how to pay it back with a favorable return. Raising funds can create a high level…
Due Diligence
Reaching the due diligence stage in your search is an opportunity for celebration; you have found a willing seller, negotiated acceptable terms, signed an LOI and are “driving to close." Yet, even amidst some…
Customer Concentration
How much customer concentration is too much? Less than you might think! For a searcher, the best-laid plans to acquire a business with low customer and market concentration, recurring revenues, healthy margins, and industry tail…
Why deals fall apart
Much of the company search process is about failure; deals will fall apart, and the more you understand why, the better prepared you will be to recognize the warning signs, anticipate them, and even avoid…
Managing Professional Support
It takes a team to acquire a business. The professionals that surround you provide significant support toward achieving your success. Selecting the right mix of professional advisors is important. Unlike the situational specialists who can…
Searching Efficiently
The search process is very time constrained; you will inevitably run out of your own money or, for funded searchers, your investors’ money. Two years might seem like a long time, but it goes by…
Reaching out for help
The quest to become an entrepreneur by purchasing a business is about learning and continuous improvement. No search is the same, nor is any searcher, therefore you have to seek out solutions to the challenges…
Reporting on search progress
As you move along the Search path, you may feel the sense of autonomy and independence that motivated your quest to run your own business. However, you are still accountable for your activities, decisions and…