Apr 29 2009
The Transition Companies
Thinking About the Transition of Your Company?
by The Transition Companies
This could be the perfect time to start the process of transition out of your company. Selling a company properly is a “process” and not an “event.”
Are you thinking about the possible “transition” out of your company? Now might be a good time to start as it often takes a year or more to find just the right buyer. Selling a business is thought by many to be an “event” that happens similar to the sale of a house and then we move on. However the best way to sell is to think of selling as process or a gradual transition from one step to another until the deal is done. Consider the following offered by the Executive Team at The Transition Companies of Dallas, Texas:
Capital Gains Taxes Rates
Among the many reasons why you would be wise to start the exit process sooner than later is the Capital Gains Tax story. Many think that capital gains taxes are likely to increase soon. Federal capital gains taxes were reduced from 28% then to 20% and at last to 15%. Given the current climate in the White House, it is quite possible, some say quite likely, that the capital gains tax will increase. That means you will need to sell for a lot more to net the same amount.
Interest Rates Will Rise
Buyers tend to pay more when the cost of money is low. Lower interest rates make growth by acquisition a more attractive option than organic growth. A higher sale price and modest capital gains taxes add up to more dollars in the sellers pocket.
Buyers Are Still Plentiful
We know at The Transition Companies that Private Equity groups are major players in the M&A market. They have lots of cash and are searching for businesses to buy. Many are paying top dollar and are leveraging their purchases to the hilt.
Consider the Baby Boomers
Baby boomer business owners are just now beginning to think about exiting. It has been said that possibly 80% of business owners are thinking about selling, about 70% in the next three years. Competition will be keen for attractive buyers. You will need to offer a more attractive opportunity in the future to even be on the radar screen of the most desirable buyers once Baby Boomers start the transition of their companies to new ownership.
Are you prepared?
Many business owners think they are well-prepared, but an outside independent third party or a buyer might disagree. Start working on your comprehensive exit plan. It could take as much as three to five years to get your personal and business house in order. To maximize the net after tax dollars you walk away with, prepare now so you can exit for top dollar while market conditions are optimum. If you do not prepare properly, you might find that you missed the opportunity of your lifetime.
A neat and orderly transition always includes three phases:
1. A certified and accredited valuation, an executive summary of the company and an offering memorandum to put in front of buyers. There needs to also be an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that face the company. This is called a SWOT analysis by some.
2. An aggressive and pro active marketing campaign ending with multiple buyers bidding for the company. One buyer is no buyer. You should have your company in front of 100 to 300 potential buyers.
3. A carefully planned due diligence process. The buyer must do it, but you must be in control of the way it is conducted. The Letter of Intent that starts the due diligence process must be done just right.
If you start early, plan wisely and get professional help if at all possible, you will transition out of your company with more money in your pocket.
The Transition Companies
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