|
By JoAnn Lombardi, President VR Business Brokers/Mergers & Acquisitions
|
|
|
Businesses will always utilize acquisitions to accomplish a variety of strategic objectives, with sales being the most common means of monetizing an investment.
Currently, the market is ripe for M&A activity as:
- Public companies with deflated stock prices become more susceptible to takeovers, and,
- Those seeking financing for expansion do not have the same access as they once did.
Ultimately, many business owners will be involved in some M&A transactions. Although the process is time-consuming and demands careful attention, it’s also fairly standard in structure to not be looked at with trepidation if you’re not familiar with it. Consult a VR business intermediary in your area to help educate you on how an M&A transaction works, which will allow you to avoid unnecessary anxiety and expense.
This Process:
- A confidentiality agreement;
- A Letter of Intent;
- Due diligence, and
- A definitive agreement.
Click Here to Read Full Article
|
|
|
Knowing When to Move on a Business as a Buyer
As a business opportunity arises, you as the buyer must determine the level of desirability. The assumption is that any business opportunity will be a creative and innovative one. Therefore, think about these points when you are examining a business opportunity as a buyer.
Due Diligence is Limitless
You can spend as much time as you want on due diligence. If you are looking to seriously buy a business, you want to look at every aspect of that business. However, keep in mind a few factors when doing due diligence because you won’t have all the time in the world before the seller moves to another qualified buyer:
- Will you know enough about the industry the gain a grasp on the business?
- Is there enough to research the business before closing?
- Will the seller be willing to allow you to contact former customers?
- How much money do you have available to spend on due diligence?
Click Here to Read Full Article
|
|
|
Accurately pricing a business for sale is critical to achieving your ideal exit.
If you undervalue your business, you’re leaving money on the table — and potentially attracting less experienced buyers who won’t help you meet your exit goals, like your exit timeline or finding the right steward for the business.
Overvaluing, on the other hand, is a quick way to push away potential buyers. Even if someone bites at your inflated price, they’ll spot the mismatch during due diligence. At that point, you’ve wasted their time and yours.
But arriving at an accurate valuation is something most business owners can’t do on their own. Pricing a business for sale requires an objective view of its worth, a clear understanding of what’s driving its value, and experience overseeing similar sales — to see how buyers assess the value of similar businesses.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Common mistakes business owners make when pricing a business for sale (and how an M&A advisor solves for them)
- How to accurately price a business for sale to increase your chances of achieving your ideal exit
|
|
A Profitable CNC Countertop Fabrication Business Located in Atlanta, GA
|
|
|
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established and highly reputable custom fabrication business located in the heart of North Metro Atlanta. Operating for over 15 years, the company has built a strong brand known for quality craftsmanship, fast turnaround times, and excellent customer service, backed by nearly 400 five-star Google reviews.
The business specializes in the fabrication and installation of high-end surfaces such as quartz, granite, quartzite, and marble, serving a diverse mix of clients: 50% residential homeowners, 40% renovation firms, and 10% commercial contractors. It benefits from a robust digital presence, consistent lead flow from paid advertising and referrals, and a streamlined, cash-positive operation with 75% deposits collected upfront on every project.
With over $4.4M in revenue and $839K in Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) in 2024, the business is ideally positioned for continued growth. The infrastructure includes an experienced team, automated CNC production systems, and long-tenured subcontractors who handle fieldwork with professionalism and consistency. The current owner works about 20 hours per week in a strategic, non-operational role and is open to supporting a smooth transition post-sale.
This is a perfect opportunity for an owner-operator, investor, or strategic acquirer looking to expand into the lucrative home improvement and remodeling space. The business operates from leased premises in a high-growth area but is being sold as a business-only (no real estate).
For more information contact: Ramzi Daklouche
|
|
|
VR Office Located in Newtown, PA Facilitated the Sale of an Established and Highly Profitable Garden Center Nursery
|
|
|
A thriving garden center nursery, long recognized for its profitability and strong community presence, has recently completed a successful ownership transition. Located in a high-traffic area with excellent visibility, this well-established business attracted significant interest from investors and entrepreneurs seeking a turnkey opportunity in the horticulture industry. With consistent annual sales of approximately $1,000,000 and a five-year adjusted EBITDA of $206,369, the business demonstrated robust financial performance and immediate revenue potential.
The new owners were drawn to the center’s loyal customer base, diverse product offerings including plants, gardening supplies, landscaping materials, and design services, and its reputation for quality and service. The experienced staff and modern facilities ensured a seamless handover, allowing operations to continue without disruption. The acquisition also included strategic growth opportunities such as expansion into hardscaping, commercial landscaping, and maintenance services.
With the previous owner stepping into retirement, the business is now poised for its next phase of growth under new leadership. This successful transaction marks not only the continuation of a beloved local institution but also a promising new chapter in a flourishing industry.
Congratulations Ed O’Sullivan & Jennifer Gaynor on your successful closing.
|
|
|
Completing a Merger is Just the Beginning: Key Priorities for Post-Merger Success
by Gundo Kahle, CEO CBA Cross Borders Associates
|
|
Completing a merger is a significant milestone — the result of months (or years) of negotiation, due diligence, and strategic planning. But as any experienced advisor knows, the real work begins after the deal is signed. A smooth post-merger integration is critical to unlocking the full value of the transaction and setting the foundation for long-term success.
Here’s where leadership teams should focus their attention:
Aligning corporate cultures is often underestimated, yet it’s one of the biggest determinants of post-merger success. Invest in communication, listen to both sides, and actively work to shape a shared vision, values, and working style.
Mergers can trigger uncertainty and anxiety among employees. Identifying and retaining top performers and critical personnel should be a top priority — with clear communication, retention incentives, and opportunities for growth.
- Customer & Stakeholder Communication
Ensure clients, suppliers, and partners understand what the merger means for them. Transparent, proactive communication helps maintain confidence, mitigate confusion, and protect important relationships.
Integrate systems, processes, and workflows efficiently. Pay special attention to IT infrastructure, finance, HR, and supply chains to avoid disruptions and inefficiencies.
- Clarity on Leadership & Governance
Define leadership roles and governance structures early. Clarity about decision-making authority and organizational structure reduces friction and accelerates integration.
- Synergy Realization & Value Tracking
Clearly define how projected synergies will be captured and establish KPIs to monitor progress. Regularly report on milestones to ensure the deal delivers on its promises.
- Cultural Sensitivity in Cross-Border Deals
For cross-border M&A, factor in legal, regulatory, and cultural nuances that can affect integration. Local expertise and a global mindset are crucial.
By proactively addressing these areas, companies can transform a signed deal into a lasting success story — creating value not just on paper, but in practice.
|
|
|
VR is the Only Remaining Founding Firm of The International Business Brokers Association (“IBBA”).
|
|
|
Have You Ever Considered Selling Businesses?
Small businesses make up over 56% of the annual U.S. GDP and every year a large amount of them change hands. VR is the industry leader in facilitating such transactions. Click here for more information on how to join VR.
|
|
|
As a loyal subscriber of Today’s Business Owner electronic magazine, we invite you to click on this link follow us on LinkedIn.
Now you can be updated daily on business sales, valuation techniques, mergers and acquisitions, career opportunities with VR, and much more.
Be the first to find out about new businesses for sale, and what has just sold.
|
|
|
|
|
