Selecting Your AdvisorWhen evaluating various Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory and Business Brokerage professionals, ensure that you have complete answers to all your questions. Thus, your evaluation becomes ever so more important to selecting the right individual.CredentialsIs he/she a Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory and Business Brokerage professional, or merely a real estate broker peddling businesses?Is he/she affiliated with key Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory and Business Brokerage organizations?What is the educational background of the professional? Verifiable?Does the professional have a financial education, is he familiar with tax issues?How long has the firm been in business?Is the broker the principal, or simply an employee with little vested interest?Other than the brokerage business, has the broker run an own business before and thus, can relate to your concerns?Value of Your BusinessHow does the professional plan to establish the value of your business?Does he work with reputable valuation firms?Is the valuation simply an in-house computer estimate (with a large upfront fee)?Can he show valuation samples, and how do they relate to your business?Will the valuation firm “stand behind” the appraisal if need be?Will there be a “free update” of the valuation in a year from now, if needed?ConfidentialityHow will the broker ensure confidentiality of your business?What is the buyer qualification process? In writing?Can the professional show you specific documents?Will you be protected from unqualified “tire kickers” and “wanna-be” buyers?Upfront FeesIs the broker confident in selling your business or does he request an upfront fee?Does the broker charge advertising, traveling or any other costs?Is the broker’s work simply a performance based fee upon a closed deal?How much is the professional at risk with his efforts?MarketingHow will the firm attract buyers for you?Can he/she show you a marketing plan?Is he/she operating within a network or simply as sole practitioner?Does your broker share commissions outside of a network?Does the broker have international experience to attract foreign buyers?These are all valid question you should raise when evaluating a broker. They are important in finding the right individual to work with you in obtaining your goals.Click for Prior Assignments Contact A Neumann & Associates, LLCIf 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 to fill out a short form, or call us at (732) 872-6777. We will contact you directly and will never identify ourselves to your employees.