Sell Your Business

Expert Advice: If you’re thinking of selling your business, you no doubt have a million questions. There’s probably none we haven’t heard, from “Is now a good time to sell?” to “What do I do next?”. Having sold over 90,000 businesses, we can provide expert advice founded in deep experience.

Business Valuation: We can provide a professional estimate of fair market value of your business, whether you need an informal estimate to satisfy your curiosity or a rigorous appraisal for legal or accounting purposes (for more information in valuation services press the “How to Value a Business” button on the home page).   We know what businesses like yours are actually selling for and how to price it right. VR has valued and sold virtually every type of business.

Structuring: The right asking price is obviously critical, but so are other terms, such as down payment, financing, non-compete agreements, and training. Experience in deal structure often makes the difference in a successful transaction.

Preparation of Business Profile: Once we have determined your selling price and deal structure, we prepare a Business Profile with explicit descriptions of your business’ achievements, competitive strengths and future possibilities including a comprehensive financial picture of your firm. VR takes great pride in the quality of our business profiles which are second to none in the industry.

Advertising & Networking: We will get you exposure you can’t possibly get on your own, or from any other firm. We use our nationwide network of offices and buyers, all the leading Internet sites, the multiple listing service and other proprietary techniques. In cases where finding a strategic buyer is goal, we will conduct a confidential direct marketing campaign to contact these buyers.  Additionally, our office is one of a select group of New England business brokers that is a part of the Business Brokers Association of New England (BBANE) where we co-broke all of our listings with other members of the network.  This gives your business a quantum leap in exposure to good quality buyers in the region. 

Buyer Screening & Qualification: We screen through the thousands of tire kickers out there to find and qualify the most likely potential buyers for your business. We obtain a signed non-disclosure agreement to protect your confidentiality and a net worth statement to qualify ability to purchase before sending them a copy of your company’s Business Profile.

Introduction & Follow-up: We introduce your business to qualified potential buyers and work with them until they make an offer to purchase. The decision to buy a business is an emotional and difficult one. We know how to assist buyers to help them overcome their concerns. 

Negotiation: When you’re emotionally involved in your business, it’s hard to be an effective negotiator for its sale. We represent you vigorously to ensure you receive the full market value for your business.

Management Through Closing: Our job is not done until your business is sold. We work with you and your advisors (attorney, accountant, landlord, etc.) and represent you all the way through closing of escrow. These steps include:

• Presentation of an Offer: We encourage buyers to write a fair offer accompanied by earnest money deposit check. At the time, we can provide background information on the buyer’s reasoning behind the offer whereupon you either accept it or we work with you to prepare a counter offer. 

• Mutual Acceptance: At this critical time, VR Business Intermediaries use their training, negotiating skills and expertise to create mutually acceptable agreement and it becomes a contingent purchase sale and agreement.

• Inspection & Contingency Removal: Nearly all offers are contingent upon the buyer’s inspection and approval of all aspects of the business operation including financial records, and review of all necessary permits and licenses to run the business. We will assist in managing this process until all contingencies are removed.

• Lease Assignment & Note Assumption: We work with the landlord to present the buyer’s qualifications in order to obtain lease assignment or a new lease for the buyer.   We also review existing equipment leases or loans the buyer is to assume and will work with the lender, closing attorney or escrow company to transfer these obligations.

• Assisting with Financing: We have many financial resources, including lenders who specialize in SBA lending or commercial business loans, and we will assist you and the buyer in determining which method of financing will work.

• Closing Preparation: The closing documents are based on hundreds of prior transactions and tailored to meet the needs of you and the buyer at the time of the sale. They are coordinated by either an attorney or an escrow company.

• Inventory: When needed, we will assist you in finding professionals to help you with the inventory process at closing.