Benchmark International 
Benchmark International 
Once you have decided that the time has come to sell your company, you will want to be as prepared as possible for the endeavor. Being adequately prepared will pave the way for a smoother process, avoid unnecessary delays in the sale, and increase the value of your business. Use this cheat sheet as a guide to get your business ready for what lies ahead.
Know Why You’re Selling
An important part of selling your company is having a clear understanding of why you are doing it.
- Do you want to exit the business completely and retire?
- Do you wish for it to be under control by family or an existing employee?
- Do you hope to retain a stake in the business as part of the sale terms?
- Do you plan to sell the business to facilitate its growth?
- Do you aspire to sell the business to fund other ventures?
These questions should all be considered so that you have a clear answer before initiating the sale process. By knowing why you are selling, you can look for the right kind of buyer to suit those needs and establish a clear plan of action.
Compile the Proper Documentation
Any buyer is going to expect to see the facts and figures on your business. The more prepared you are to provide detailed documentation, the more likely they will be to trust you. Items you should compile and have ready for review include:
- Current and recent profit & loss statements
- Balance sheets, income statements, and tax returns for at least 5 years
- Leases and real estate paperwork
- A business plan
- A marketing plan
- Accounts payable and client lists
- Inventory and pricing lists
- Insurance policies
- Non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements
- An executive summary and detailed profile of the business
- Employee, customer, vendor, and distributor contracts
- Outstanding loan agreements and liens
- Organization chart
- Letter of intent and purchase agreement
Inventory Your Assets
Your assets are a key factor in determining the value of your company, so it is important to have a clear picture of what they are and what they are worth. Create a record of these assets, including:
Physical assets:
- Business furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, inventory, real estate, automobiles
Intellectual property assets:
- Trademarks, patents, licensing agreements, trade secrets, and proprietary technology
Intangible assets:
- Brand equity, business name, and brand identity
- Processes and strategies
- Trained employees
- Loyal clientele
- Supplier and distribution networks
Enlist the Help of an Expert
Selling a business is a complicated process, and it is not as simple as just gathering the items listed above. This is why most business owners opt to partner with a mergers and acquisitions firm to organize a deal. They do all the work and tend to all the details so that you can focus on running your business and keeping it thriving in the wake of a sale. This includes finding the right buyers, creating a competitive bidding environment, and making sure you get the most value for your company.
Advisors such as our experts at Benchmark International have specialized tools at our disposal that are proven to maximize value for our clients and get desired results. Give us a call and let us put our connections to work for you.
Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkCorporate.com
Europe: Carl Settle at +44 (0)161 359 4400 / Settle@BenchmarkCorporate.com
Africa: Anthony McCardle at +2721 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkCorporate.com
ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL:
Benchmark International’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $6B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from 12 offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.
Website: http://www.benchmarkcorporate.com
Blog: http://blog.benchmarkcorporate.com/
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