Exit Planning Tips
Selling a Health Insurance Business
You've learned a lot during your tenure as a health insurance business owner. Now the trick is to convince cautious buyers that your operation is worth the asking price.
Like it or not, a health insurance business sale is a complicated affair, made even more difficult by the emotions associated with leaving a business you've poured your life into. In our experience, a common owner concern is how the sale will affect customers and employees.
They require careful planning and an intentional strategy that emphasizes your health insurance business's strengths and meets the needs of the marketplace. Since your future goals depend on the outcome of your sale, you'll need to have your head in the game from Day One.
Signs You're in Over Your Head
Many health insurance business are tempted to save brokerage fees by selling their businesses on their own. Without brokerage, the risk of your sale going off-course is increased. As a rule, no business should sit on the market for more than six months without attracting the interest of at least a handful of qualified buyers. When buyers fail to exhibit substantive interest, it could indicate unrealistic pricing or an inferior selling strategy. The remedy is professional brokerage or a consultation with more experienced sellers.
Preparing Your Health Insurance Business for Sale
First-time business sellers sometimes don't realize that the success or failure of their sale is determined before it hits the market. Profitable health insurance business sales begin with a comprehensive strategy that incorporates planning, preparation and market positioning. Even though it may take years to adequately position your health insurance business, the amount of preparation you perform will have direct correlation on asking and sale prices. Additionally, you'll need time to compile financials and other information that buyers will expect to receive.
Equipment and Inventory Concerns
During due diligence, the buyer will undoubtedly conduct his own appraisal of your health insurance business's physical assets. Most sellers, however, conduct a pre-sale appraisal to gain an accurate gauge of asset value prior to negotiations. A professional appraisal is a necessity because it gives you the information you need to negotiate a sale price. When you conduct your appraisal of your assets, note their condition and include it in the information packet you prepare for prospective buyers.
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