Valuing A Business In The Current Market

Date: 01/04/2011

If you want to sell your business, have a good story to tell. Get an expert to value it, and be prepared. Buyers are looking for return on investment, and they're very smart.

Selling businesses in the next twelve months is going to be tough, with credit still difficult to come by and savvy buyers looking for a solid return on their investment. Veteran business broker Peter Schiftan, of P+S Business Brokers, says the most profitable businesses at present are in the service sectors. He says mergers are becoming more common as businesses look for others to bolt onto their existing operations. Sustained earnings over several years, with good profits, are what he looks for, as well as whether the business sector is in demand. He urges sellers to prepare thoroughly for sale, with thorough documentation that will enable a broker to tell a good story to potential buyers.