Question 1

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SELL MY BUSINESS?

Accepted Answer

It typically takes six to twelve months from the time you sign with us to the day of closing. We tell clients to mentally prepare for the selling process to take about a year, although our deals often close within six months.

Question 2

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE VALUE OF MY BUSINESS?

Accepted Answer

We determine the value of your business through a comprehensive analysis that includes several key factors. This process involves examining your company's financial performance, market position, growth potential, and industry trends. We also consider the quality of your management team, customer base, and operational efficiency. By combining these elements with our industry expertise and market comparables, we can provide an accurate and fair valuation that reflects your business's true worth.

Question 3

WHAT IS MY BUSINESS WORTH?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question, and one you need to get answered before you decide whether or not to sell your business. We offer complimentary business valuations. Please see our Business Valuation page for more on this important topic.

Question 4

WHAT TYPES OF BUYERS WILL BE INTERESTED IN MY BUSINESS?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the things we will discuss with you after completing our valuation process. Most buyers fall into three general categories: entrepreneurial operators, financial buyers like private equity firms, and strategic buyers. We caution business owners to keep an open mind when it comes to buyers. Your “ideal buyer” may be someone you’ve never thought of. We work hard to attract several types of buyers for your business so that you can find the best fit for you and your business.

Question 5

HOW WILL I TELL MY EMPLOYEES?

Accepted Answer

Most sellers list this as one of their top concerns, and we understand why. Rest assured that there is no right answer to this question, as it varies from owner to owner. We’ve met business owners who wait until the deal is done to tell employees, while others hold a meeting early in the process. There is no right answer, but we would be happy to talk to you further about your company culture and the benefits and risks of telling employees early or late in the sale process.

Question 6

WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO SELL NOW, BUT WOULD LIKE TO SELL MY BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?

Accepted Answer

If you think you’d like to sell your business, it’s best to start planning at least two to three years in advance. We recommend that you get a business valuation immediately to see where your business is today. That way we can work together to come up with a game plan to enhance the value of your business and make it more marketable prior to beginning the sale process.

The reality is that both you and your business must be ready for the selling process. We will give you our honest opinion about your situation, and work with you to identify a reasonable timeline for the sale of your business. Learn more about our Business Valuation here.

Question 7

HOW DOES WAYPOINT PRIVATE CAPITAL FIND BUYERS?

Accepted Answer

We have proprietary databases of both financial and strategic buyers and will do the hard work of building industry buyer lists as needed on a deal-by-deal basis.

Question 8

HOW WILL WAYPOINT PRIVATE CAPITAL MARKET MY BUSINESS FOR SALE?

Accepted Answer

Our marketing materials are second to none. The two primary marketing documents that we create are the Executive Summary (a one-page blinded profile of the business) and the Confidential Information Presentation (CIP). The CIP is an extensive deck that tells the story of your business and the opportunity associated with an acquisition. It contains enough information for a buyer to decide whether to move forward and make an offer to buy your business. We send the CIP to potential buyers who have signed a Nondisclosure Agreement.

Again, the quality of our marketing attracts exceptional buyers. We’ve had many buyers say that out of the hundreds of CIP's they see in a year, ours make them stop and want to learn more about a client’s business.

Question 9

SHOULD I HIRE AN M&A ADVISOR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hiring an M&A advisor is beneficial, especially for business owners who are going through the M&A process. M&A advisors can provide valuable market insight, help in valuing the business, identify potential buyers, prepare marketing materials, negotiate terms, and guide you through the complex legal and financial aspects of a deal.

Question 10

WHAT DUE DILIGENCE WILL THE BUYER PERFORM?

Accepted Answer

The buyer's due diligence will typically cover financial, legal, operational, and strategic aspects of your business. This can include a thorough review of financial statements, contracts, employee information, compliance with laws and regulations, the competitive landscape, and the overall market environment. The goal is for the buyer to verify the information presented and understand any risks involved.

Question 11

HOW DO I ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION POST-SALE?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring a smooth transition post-sale involves:

• Clearly define the terms of the transition, including any roles you or key staff members will play in the business going forward. 
 • Communicating effectively with employees, customers, and suppliers about the change in ownership. 
 • Assisting the new owners with understanding the business operations, culture, and strategic goals. 
 • Being available to answer questions and provide guidance during the agreed-upon transition period.

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