Advice on Niche Market Exit Planning
Selling a Thrift and Loan Companies Business
Most businesses are susceptible to economic conditions and thrift and loan companies businesses are no exception. But in some cases, a down economy can actually improve saleability. All it takes is a strategy to identify solid prospects and convert them to buyers.
Business buyers are a timid lot, even more so now that they are facing an uncertain economic landscape.
Growth-minded entrepreneurs also find an appealing thrift and loan companies business hard to pass up. So for thrift and loan companies business sellers, today's market is all about convincing buyers that the numbers make their companies worth the asking price.
Selling Time
It's rarely possible to sell a thrift and loan companies business in a month or two. Although asking price and other factors contribute to sale time, it's difficult to predict how long your business will be on the market before you locate the right buyer. Before you can list your thrift and loan companies business, you'll need to invest as much as a year in preparing it for prospective buyers. Even though it's conceivable that an attractive opportunity could sell in weeks, an immediate flood of offers could indicate that the business is underpriced.
Adjusting Expectations
Every business seller dreams of a fast sale and a fat payday. However, no one told the marketplace about your expectations. The outcome of your sale will be determined by market forces - not by your personal circumstances or desires. Sometimes, sellers need to readjust their expectations to accommodate market realties. If buyers don't seem to be willing to meet your expectations, consult with your broker to modify your strategy and market approach.
Turning the Tables: Buyer Concessions
Most thrift and loan companies business sellers realize they will need to offer concessions to sell their businesses. But for every concession you grant, there may be an opportunity to obtain a concession from the buyer. Often, buyer concessions represent financial incentives that the seller receives in exchange for providing a non-cash benefit (e.g. training, financing, etc.. You can also choose to exclude certain items like equipment or inventory from the deal if the buyer isn't willing to meet your price expectations. By selling excluded assets on the secondary market, you can compensate for an anemic sale price.
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