Business Exit Planning
Selling a Malt and Hops Business
Does the economy have you down? For exiting owners, the idea of listing their company now can be terrifying. But selling your malt and hops business doesn't have to be as daunting as it sounds.
Most business sellers are interested in disposing of their businesses as quickly as possible. But that's not how a malt and hops business sale works.
Yet what many sellers don't appreciate is that a down economy can present the perfect opportunity to sell a malt and hops business.
Family Business Sale Tips
The idea of passing a business along to a family member sounds idyllic to many business owners. in reality, a family-based malt and hops business sale can be more complicated than selling to a stranger. In fact, selling your malt and hops business to a family member can quickly become a no-win proposition. Unless you have agreed to treat the family member like any other buyer, the risk of hard feelings among other potential heirs or family members is high. If possible, discuss a long-term, generational transition with the entire family and seek the advice of a professional consultant.
After the Sale
The way you exit your malt and hops business is just as important as the way you sell it. Handing over the keys and saying goodbye to your employees is easier said than done, and requires thoughtful consideration prior to closing. Ideally, these and other post-sale details should be addressed early on. But if you haven't dealt with them yet, it's important to have a frank conversation with the buyer, your broker and other professionals as soon as possible.
Maintaining Objectivity
For most owners, the hardest part of selling a malt and hops business is remaining objective. You have invested yourself in making your malt and hops business the success it is today, but in the eyes of prospective buyers, your operation is only worth fair market value. Although it may be a hard pill to swallow, you need to find a way to introduce objectivity into your sale. A business broker can be a valuable resource in right-sizing your expectations and preparing you for market realities.
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs