Are you considering selling your business in 2024? Although business sale activity declined in 2023, we anticipate a revival in 2024. The initial impact of rising interest rates, which dampened buying activity, has now normalized. The capital for business acquisitions is still available, and there is pent-up demand for transactions from buyers who have yet to make significant purchases. However, buyers will proceed with caution and be more selective in their target choices. Sellers should also anticipate a more rigorous due diligence process during the sale.
Every business owner will eventually exit their business. Even if you are uncertain about selling in 2024, it is crucial to start planning now. By preparing in advance, the process can be smoother and often results in a higher value from the sale. The first step for business owners is to ensure their financial records are in order.
Cleaning Up Your Financial Records
Cleaning up your financial records is another critical aspect of preparing to sell your business. Having clean books can significantly enhance the appeal of your business to potential buyers. It provides a clear understanding of your business’s financial health, making it easier for potential buyers to evaluate. Moreover, clean books can expedite the due diligence process and reduce the chances of the buyer renegotiating the deal. It also demonstrates to potential buyers that you run a professional and well-organized business, which can command a higher sale price.
Cleaning up your financial records may involve:
- Standardizing your internal bookkeeping and accounting methods
- Separating personal finances from the company’s finances
- Reviewing internal expenses, especially owner bonuses, perks, and benefits, against industry benchmarks
- Organizing financial records
- Reviewing and tidying up financial statements (or creating them if you don’t usually prepare them)
- Documenting the dollar value of assets and liabilities (including intellectual property)
Understanding the Information Buyers Will Seek
The due diligence process is at the heart of every business sale, but its significance is often underestimated by business owners. This process can be rigorous and may take longer than expected. Buyers, and particularly their lenders, will require access to your financial documents. Being well-prepared for this process can make the difference between a successful deal and one that falls through.
Key financial information that you should be prepared to provide includes:
- Financial reports for the past 3-5 years
- Tax return records
- Records of tax payments, including payroll and sales taxes
- Bank and credit statements
- Employee and payroll records to verify payroll costs and compliance with labor regulations
- Proof of business insurance policies
- Physical inventory counts
The objective in providing these items is to demonstrate credibility and present an accurate financial snapshot of the company, attracting and informing potential buyers.
Understanding the Broader Financial Picture
Preparing your financial records the first step when selling your business, but a well-prepared seller goes beyond that. You also need to grasp the broader financial aspects of a sale transaction. Understanding these factors will facilitate negotiations with potential buyers and help you navigate the sales process more effectively:
- Work with a tax advisor to devise the best strategy for minimizing your tax liability.
- Identify the key revenue-generating aspects of your business.
- Assess the profitability of your business and identify the most and least profitable areas.
- Determine which aspects of your business are likely to be crucial to the buyer’s lenders or investors.
- Decide on your post-closing role in the business and establish your compensation plan.
It is never too early to plan for selling your business, as there are numerous steps that need to be taken before finalizing the deal. Getting your financial records in order involves cleaning up your books, evaluating the overall financial health of your business, compiling the necessary information for potential buyers, negotiating the details of the deal, and ultimately closing the sale.
The Tampa Business Broker, Dave DeCamella, brings almost a decade of award winning brokerage experience and a network of qualified buyers to help your business sale go as smoothly as possible. Dave works to achieve the highest and best possible price for your business while taking up the least amount of time from you and your company.
Contact The Tampa Business Broker today for a complimentary consultation.