A decade ago, research suggested that only about 28% of family businesses had a formal succession plan in place. While awareness has improved, the underlying challenge remains remarkably persistent. Recent studies from organizations such as PwC indicate that today, only…
New business owners often are thinking about growth and working to increase revenue. While this is no doubt important, many people overlook a critical part of long-term success, and that is planning how they will eventually leave the business.…
In today’s interconnected economy, the pool of potential business buyers extends far beyond local or even national borders. International buyers were once considered a niche segment. But they are now an increasingly important and often highly motivated group. For…
The term “negotiation” tends to stir mixed reactions. Some people enjoy the challenge, while others would rather avoid it altogether. No matter how you feel about the tactics you might use, the end goal is to reach an agreement that…
When a business sale fails to close, the outcome can be very frustrating for everyone involved. While some deals collapse due to unavoidable obstacles, many unravel because of issues that could have been anticipated or managed earlier. Many first-time buyers…
In today’s digital world, information travels instantly. That means that a single forwarded email or casual conversation can quickly circulate among employees, customers, vendors, and even competitors. Each year, promising transactions fail not because of disagreements over the financials, but…
Whether you expect to sell in the near future or not for many years down the road, having a clear exit strategy protects your options and strengthens your negotiating position when the day finally comes. An exit strategy is more…
Mergers and acquisitions are complex high-stakes transactions. Yet many business owners enter the process with assumptions that can quietly derail negotiations, or reduce the value of their company. Sometimes they unintentionally devalue their position. No matter whether you are buying…
For many business owners, selling a company is completely unfamiliar territory. It is often the largest financial transaction of their lives. Many business owners also find that selling is an emotional milestone. After years of building and managing a business,…