October 16, 2019

How to choose the right business broker in Florida

By Achim Neumann

The business environment in Florida is fertile, with state tax policies designed to favor growth and a stable regulatory environment. As such, many business owners typically grow their businesses to profitability and then sell it or merge with bigger entities. The sale or merger is usually organized via the services of a Florida business broker. If you are fortunate to have grown a business in Florida and are looking for an experienced business broker to help you sell your business, here are some tips and questions to help you choose the right business broker in FL.

Go For Experience

In choosing from the pool of a business owner must look first for a broker with experience and the necessary qualifications to follow them up. How long has this business broker been practicing and how many successful sales has (s)he brokered? Does this broker have experience acting as the middle man between the business owner and the buyer in a way that ensures closing objectives are met?

Does the broker belong to a professional community of business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions? These questions should form the first screen when attempting to choose a business broker.

Consider Their Approach To Business Valuations

Once you have screened your potential pool of brokers to find the ones with experience, your next step is to take a look at their processes to be sure they fit with your sales goal. Does the broker have an accredited process for valuing businesses and can you be shown a documented valuation plan? Will this business valuation only be carried out in-house or will it be handled by a reputable third-party valuer? Does the broker have a good reputation for arranging fair market business valuations for the benefit of the business owner?

Discuss Marketing

Once the value of the business is set, how will the broker attract qualified buyers to show interest in the business? Has the broker built the necessary network among players in your industry to make this happen? Can the broker get the word out effectively while maintaining discretion? Is there a detailed strategy to make sure qualified bidders are in line with the requirements of the owner?

Take Fees Seriously

The fee for employing the services of a Florida business broker varies from individual broker to firm. There are multiple conditions that affect the negotiation of rates. Is the broker trying to charge a much higher percentage or asking for a high advance fee? This is unacceptable and you should not work with any business broker who makes requests of that nature.

The task of finding a business broker for your business can be tricky and frustrating if you do not know how to proceed. At every stage in your search and selection process, ask the questions above to find and choose the right business broker in Florida.

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

Client Testimonials

“I'm an attorney. I have represented the buyers and sellers of businesses for 20+ years. Recently I had the pleasure of handling a transaction where Richard Wilder of A. Neumann & Associates was the broker for the seller. Mr. Wilder was of great service to his client. He is very knowledgeable and organized. Thanks to his guidance the transaction proceeded smoothly and closed on time. He is highly recommended.”

Nick Ferrante

“Richard, you came to my office a few years ago and were wonderful in explaining your process and procedures. Our company is probably an anomaly in that we sold the majority to two long time employees and I financed them both. Our company is entering its 45th year and is still thriving. The purpose of the note is to thank you very much for the service that you provide. Thank you again.”

John Foug, Seller

“We had a great experience working with Richard Wilder from Neumann and Associates as the sell-side broker for Blade Runners. He was knowledgeable, professional, and clearly had his client’s best interests at heart. Richard helped keep the process smooth for everyone, and thanks in part to his efforts, we found a fantastic owner to partner with. We'd gladly work with Richard and the Neumann and Associates team again.”

Justin Martin

“Very happy with Richard and the entire process. I was on the buyer side of the transaction.”

Isaac Palmer, Jr.

“If you are looking for a professional and informative company that meets your needs, A Neumann & Associates is the company to go with. Ted Kantor went above and beyond to make our experience as easy as possible. Ted was helpful from the start of our process to the end. He was there every step of the way to guide us and answer all of our questions. He handled all of the in-depth communication and followed up on every detail. We strongly recommend Ted Kantor to help you whether you're buying or selling. It was a great experience. We never imagined it would go as smooth as it did. The Laluna's (Andy, Maria & Tony Jr)”

Maria Laluna

“A Pleasure to work with - I highly recommend them! Working with Richard Wilder was a pleasure, and he found us the perfect match.”

Laura Keith-Macario

“This spring we acquired a business that was represented by Richard Wilder at A Neumann & Associates. Small business acquisitions can be very emotional for the sellers and life-changing for the buyers, and Richard was keenly aware of this throughout the process. Although he was working for the sellers and not for us, he knew that most business owners see their business as their baby so the only way to have a happy outcome for his clients was to also have a happy outcome for the buyers. Knowing how nerve-wracking this process can be (think home buying x 10), he never dropped the ball on keeping everyone updated, anticipating potential snags, and guiding us along in the process. We highly recommend Richard.”

Shannon, Buyer

“My business was my baby for over 40 years. It is a tough and cruel world out there when it comes to selling your business. Neuman and Associates provided the professional guidance/protection to get the job done with care and no pressure. In my view a tremendous value. I would recommend them to anyone seeking to sell their business. Eric Storck, president of Blade Runners Inc.”

Eric Storck, President - Blade Runners Inc.

“I’m really impressed with how your firm operates. The focus on confidentiality, the thorough vetting process, and the use of third-party accredited valuations really stand out. It’s easy to see why you’ve built such a strong reputation over the years.”

Ann M., Investor

“Thanks for sending over such a detailed CIM. While I have only reviewed a have dozen CIMs at this point, your company has put together the most comprehensive data and detailed presentation I have seen so far.”

Ben N., Investor

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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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