Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

A Neumann & Associates, LLC

February 5, 2013

Business Sellers Should Demand an Independent Valuation……Ahead Of Time

By Joseph Eneldas

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If a small business owner wants to sell a company now or sometime within the next five years, an independent business valuation in New York City or wherever your bussiness is based is an essential first step.  If the time is now, then the appraisal serves as the basis for a potential deal structure.  Should a potential transaction be further down the road, then the valuation provides information for  properly positioning the firm to maximize financial return when the time comes.

“Here at A Neumann & Associates, we require that an independent third party market valuation be put in place prior to any sales engagement,” says company President Achim Neumann.  “Our 25 years of experience shows that the benefits to the small business owner are significant in terms of both time and money.”

Why is a neutral-party fair market appraisal so important?  Let’s dig a little deeper to determine the benefits for a business owner:

  • The Guessing Game is Eliminated– even though some business owners think they know what their business is worth, they are really only guessing or perhaps using incorrect industry rules of thumb.  A multi-dimensional and accurate report of the firm’s worth to prospective buyers will ensure that no money is left on the table.
  • The Need for a Buyer Valuation is Eliminated– if a proper third party valuation (as opposed to one created by the firm’s CPA or broker) is in place, then prospective buyers have no inclination to ask for one themselves.  Any discussion of fair market value should be driven by the seller, not the potential buyer.  An independent appraisal provides the buyer with a value justification and identifies the anticipated rate of return on their financial investment– problem solved.
  • Deal Structure and Market Feedback is Provided– an independent business valuation in Connectcut or wherever a business is headquarted lets the owner know exactly what to expect if he decides to sell his business..  Every industry and business is unique and therefore every business sale provides a distinct set of anticipated circumstances.  A savvy business seller needs to be aware of these beforehand.
  • Value Drivers are Analyzed– the factors that are influencing a company’s value (both positively and negatively) are identified for the business owner.  By knowing exactly where they stand relative to others in their industry and to their own goals, a shrewd owner will be able to implement changes as part of an orchestrated strategy to improve overall value.
  • A Faster Deal Closing is Achieved– since the independent valuation firms we work with are mostly accredited and recognized by the financial community (including the SBA in certain cases), commercial financing is obtained quicker and the seller gets to the closing table approximately two months faster than they would have without one in place.  Time is money, especially when a business is being sold.

“Since joining A Neumann & Associates in 2010, I have seen many small business owners take advantage of the valuation process to better position them for a proper exit” says Gary Herviou, the firm’s Central Jersey Marketing Director.  “Moreover, a smooth transaction is almost impossible without an independent appraisal in place prior to going to market.”  An independent fair market valuation is confidential, cost-efficient and not time-consuming for the small business owner.  More importantly, it can be completed within 10 days after receipt of all documentsand updated every 18 months at very little cost, which serves as a vital tool for measuring progress along the way.

Michael Gersten, Northern Jersey Marketing Director for the company, makes the point clear.  “If selling the business is a possibility, it’s incumbent on the owner to look at the big picture and get the cold hard facts regarding the salability of the company in advance.”

This valuation mindset can be summed up as follows:  value now, plan ahead, and maximize return at closing.  Well-informed business owners will make effective decisions accordingly and reap the rewards upon exit from the business.  The unprepared will just have to take their chances and hope for the best.

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About A Neumann & Associates, LLC

A Neumann & Associates, LLC is a professional mergers & acquisitions and business brokerage firm having assisted business owners and buyers in the business valuation and business transfer process through its affiliations for the past 30 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the company has senior trusted professionals with a deep knowledge based in multiple field offices along the East Coast and has performed hundreds of business valuations in its history. The firm’s competitive transaction fees are based on successfully completing transactions. For more information, please contact A Neumann & Associates at 732-872-6777 or info@neumannassociates.com

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Client Testimonials

“Your vetting is simply outstanding, among the best I've seen from a broker.”

Eric H., Investor

“I recently contacted A. Neumann and Associates about getting a valuation of my business done. I spoke with Marc, who explained the process in detail. After meeting with Marc in order to get a clear understanding of my business, and what I was hoping to accomplish. His patience in answering all my questions and his knowledge of the proper way to market my business gave me great confidence that this is the firm I will be using to sell my business for max value. Working with Marc at A Neumann & Associates was very easy and professional. I did not know all that was going to be involved in selling my business but they helped me through the process. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. I highly recommend this firm to anybody who wants to sell now or down the road. Marc not only knows his stuff, but actually is a real nice guy.”

Double Diamond

“Used A Neumann & Associates to sale my business. could not imagine having done it with out the patience and experience Gary provided. Thanks Gary,”

Dennis Frazier

“Working with Marc and his company was a pleasure. What I thought was going to be a just another one of those pushy sales companies was just the opposite. Polite, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to and deal with. Marc handled most of the interaction and he has one of the greatest demeanors. Again, it was a pleasure working with him and his firm.”

Douglas DiCeglio

“I recently completed an acquisition using A Neumann & Associates. Tony Valentino was very helpful and accessible during the entire process. They do a thorough job vetting both parties and got us to the finish line.”

Srini Mudambi

“Claus out of Florida helped us with the sale of our business. We had never done anything like this and him and his team walked us through the process from start to finish. We had some challenges through the process and Claus continued to show up even in the difficult conversations.”

Colby Harris, Co-Owner, Del Mar Designs

“Claus Madsen thoroughly helped us with selling our company. From the 1st introductory meeting explaining to us what was possible, to providing us with resources to assist with the sale. Claus was invaluable throughout the whole sales process. Claus was with us every step of the journey and always made himself available for any questions or issues that came up along the way. If you are interested in selling your business, I encourage you to reach out to Claus and the ANA team so that they can let you know what’s achievable. These guys will make it happen!”

Ron Harris, Co-Owner and Vice President, Del Mar Designs

“A Neumann & Associates is the only business broker I would use or consult with. They have assisted with 3 business sales over the past 15 years with me. They are honest and sincere and have always performed better than my expectations. They are the only one i would use for the sales of my businesses.”

James Belanger, Business Owner

“I wanted to take a second to commend the exemplary customer service from both you [Karin Neumann] and Mr. Valentino. It’s both a rarity in the industry, and very much appreciated.”

Andrew G., Investor

“We worked with Neumann & Associates to investigate the purchase of a research company in 2010 and found Achim to be capable, forthright and realistic. His depth of experience enabled us to fully understand our options, offering creative options that might enable the acquisition. While we didn’t acquire that particular company at that time, we know exactly who to call whenever we’re looking to buy or sell a business.”

Daniel Coates, Buyer
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Contact A Neumann & Associates, LLC

If you are considering selling your business, please contact us to learn more about our comprehensive service spectrum. Our experienced professionals will answer all your questions about selling a privately held business in complete confidentiality. Please fill out our contact form, or call us at 732-872-6777. We will contact you directly and will never identify ourselves to your employees.

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