Profitable Niche Market Exit Plans

Selling an Outdoor Lighting Business

Planning and execution can dramatically influence the price you receive for your outdoor lighting business.

The economy isn't the only thing that is uncertain these days. So are outdoor lighting business buyers, many of whom are waiting to pull the trigger on their next acquisition.

But at Gaebler, we see outdoor lighting businesses still selling at a brisk pace. Not surprisingly, buyers expect to receive value for their dollars - and that means sellers need to demonstrate that their businesses are capable of delivering anticipated returns.

Legal Considerations

It's obvious that you're going to need to hire an attorney to finalize the sale of your outdoor lighting business. A good lawyer serves a variety of functions during the process. In addition to reviewing the letter of intent, sales contract, and other documents, your attorney should be capable of advising you about due diligence and the tax consequences of the sale. We recommend hiring an attorney early in the process to gain insights about the legal consequences of various sale outcomes.

Equipment and Inventory Concerns

Buyers typically perform an independent appraisal of your outdoor lighting business's real 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. During your appraisal process, you should also note the condition of your assets. Cost-effective repairs can then be made before your list your outdoor lighting business.

Economic Considerations

Several economic factors can affect the sale of an outdoor lighting business. Interest rates, spending, inflation, and other variables directly influence how long your outdoor lighting business will be on the market as well as its sales price. The truth is that perfect market conditions may never materialize. A much better approach is to focus on the factors that always attract buyers and investors. One thing is for sure - buyers are paying more attention to your company's profitability and growth potential than they are to the latest quarterly economic indicators.

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