Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

A Neumann & Associates, LLC

May 6, 2014

Don’t hit the Wall – Buy Growth

By Joseph Eneldas

business-continuity

It’s hard to pick up a serious business journal without seeing articles about major corporations targeting substantial M & A activity in the coming year.  Interest rates are still at historical lows and a number of valuable acquisition targets are beginning to become available.  As a result, all of the big boys are heavily involved in “buying” growth through strategic acquisitions. As a matter of fact, our firm is seeing a strong flow of sellers positioning to exit due to baby boomers and delayed exit strategies post the 2008 recession.

Strategic Acquisitions take planning and time. At A Neumann & Associates, LLC, a leading New Jersey M&A / Business Brokerage firm, we experience intimate access to hundreds of companies that are positioned as prime sellers.

Yet, the small business owner tends to get caught up in the daily management of the business.  Fear and complacency sets in as the business hits a plateau, however, stagnant growth and sluggish sales may be overcome by acquisitions. Small businesses typically seem to hit the wall below the $5 million revenue range and don’t grow from there.

It is here that the small business owner needs to take a page from the playbook of larger corporations, who have learned how to overcome stagnant growth and sluggish sales through acquisitions.  Yes, it’s true that strategic acquisitions take planning and time. But taking that time and doing that planning can be enormously rewarding.  And right now, there are many lenders offering creative financing options for purchasing a business, and seller financing is often available – thereby enabling acquisitions even for smaller businesses.

As a first step, have an outside accredited third party, appraise or value what your business is worth and any opportunities you may have to leverage your assets to take on a purchase of a like business. “Don’t get caught up internally valuing your business as your decision making may be be clouded” says Michael Feite, Managing Director, Eastern Pennsylvania. “A certified business valuation by a third party is the only way to accurately determine true market value.”

As a second step, brainstorm on possible strategic acquisition targets and/or synergistic partners. Think 1+1=3, for example, buying a business that has the same distribution channels or minimizing substantial overhead.

Finally, develop a mid-range business plan. Take the time to finding value through the advantages of acquisition.  Look at prospective businesses and its value drivers early on in your planning process. A typical list of value drivers can include

  • Historic Growth
  • Profit and Margins
  • Customer Diversity
  • Product & Service Mix
  • Five Projections
  • Outside Risk Exposure
  • Synergies

For a thorough discussion and to learn more about opportunities in buying a business (or selling a business), business valuations and value drivers, please contact any one of the firm’s Managing Directors or visit us at our upcoming workshop on May 15, 2014 at the Marriott, Teaneck.


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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Andrey O, Investor

“Finally enjoying retirement after recently selling my business using the services of A Neumann & Associates. Joe Oddo provided the conduit to a successful transaction. Joe knew when to inject input and when to simply listen and allow the buyers to vent, step back and regroup. The outcome met our expectations and got us to the finish line, which included my staying with the company six months in order for the buyers to get their footing and keep our workforce in the loop. He helped at every step by providing his expert guidance & resources. Thank you!”

Emily Parker Myers, Co-Owner - Myers McRae

“I had been in touch with Karin and Gary from A Neumann & Associates regarding some opportunities and was looking forward to meeting with them. Hence, when they organized a seminar in Princeton, NJ, I was quick to sign up. The seminar was very informative as the team walked the attendees through various scenarios and referenced real life buying/selling situations they had been through. The sessions by Gary, Karin and Achim were crisp and focused and brought clarity to potential seller and buyers. I strongly recommend the team and look forward to continue working with them.”

Gaurav Tyagi

“Thank you for your Event on "How to value, Sell, and Buy A Business for Maximum Profit" and the insight into ANA’s approach on what is involved in the Business Exit for sellers. Garys Hervieiou's "Business Valuation", Achim's "Deal structure" presentation and Karin’s "Preparing the Package" are real street knowledge shared. They answered attendees questions which makes it more interesting for learning from others. Great for small businesses like us. The presentations were totally worth our time and travel for the event to Princeton, NJ from Rockville MD. Ravi Bhutani, President, CIPS”

Ravi Bhutani

“Gary, this is to thank you for an excellent job done in selling our business. We could never have done it without your professional expertise, dedication and time put in without reservation to make it happen. We will gladly and highly recommend you to anybody in our position.  It was a pleasure to work with you.”

Pat Iammatteo, Owner

“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

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Srini Mudambi
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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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