Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

A Neumann & Associates, LLC

November 9, 2015

Increase Transaction Value When Selling A Business

By Joseph Eneldas

By Achim Neumann

A significant portion of our efforts have been to develop “Strategic Business Valuations” for owners. “In other words,” says Achim Neumann, President A Neumann & Associates, LLC, a full-service M&A advisor and business brokerage firm based in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, “we are approached by business owners to have the value of their business determined two to four years prior to its contemplated sale.”

One of the key outcomes of such strategic business valuations is the definition of weak points in company operations and a plan of action to make changes to maximize value. Generally speaking, how can a business owner improve value?

Consistent Cash Flow

Investors consider top-line revenue and cash flow to be the two most important criteria in buying a business. “The more consistent the cash flow is,” says Frank Arcoleo, Managing Director of Central Pennsylvania, “and the more secured by ongoing agreements, the higher the premium that can be obtained.”

Growth Potential

Every investor will look to grow the business – “Status Quo” is not acceptable. Thus, a business owner who can convincingly demonstrate growth opportunities, and, better yet, has a formal business plan in place for obtaining such growth, can successfully defend a strong asking price.

Diversification of Customer Concentration

A wide customer base, with few customers constituting more than 5% to 10% of revenue, significantly diminishes investor risk. This diversification minimizes the cash flow impact should one or two customers leave after the sale, thereby ensuring the ability of the business to survive – and prosper – in such a scenario.

Product Spectrum

A wide spectrum of products and services not only offers more opportunities for growth, it also mitigates the financial risks associated with only a few products or services. Thus, businesses for sale with a good product mix will always obtain a higher transaction value.

Financial Reporting

Reliable, consistent, and systematic financial records are an essential part of the management of any successful business. Whereas the current owner might run the business “from the hip,” only solid financial records will convince an investor of the viability and value of the acquisition.

Employees

Long-term employees able to assist in the business transfer, a dedicated management team that does not solely rely on the owner, and a good reporting system are all factors to enhance the value of a business.

Facilities & Equipment

Clean facilities, well-maintained equipment, and easy-to-locate inventory should all be in place PRIOR to the commencement of the sale process. Nothing is worse than for a prospective investor to conclude that the current business owner does not exercise proper care for the business and its assets, as reflected in the condition of facility and equipment. The immediate, implicit conclusion will be that the remainder of the business is similarly disorganized.

In sum, just focusing on these seven simple criteria will allow a business owner to obtain a higher asking price when they’re ready to position their business for sale. More importantly, if a strategic business valuation has been put in place well ahead of the actual sale, it will help to identify any shortcomings and provide plenty of time to implement corrections.

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

“ I appreciate your diligent approach to screening buyers and sellers as well as the high quality CIM that you produce.”

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

“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
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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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