Sell Your Business
Selling your business is a major decision. We appreciate the years of hard work that led to your success. At Kelliher Acquisitions, we’re here to guide you through a smooth transition.
Selling your business is a major decision with many factors to consider: the right price, confidentiality, employee well-being, and finding the right buyer. We understand these concerns, and we’ve developed a seamless process that supports you from start to finish.
We begin with an accurate, certified business valuation to determine your business’s true market value. From there, Kelliher Acquisitions manages all aspects of preparation and marketing to attract the right buyer, not just any buyer. We rigorously vet and qualify each buyer we bring to the table, ensuring a smooth, efficient transaction that meets your needs.
How We Sell Your Business
At Kelliher Acquisitions, we guide business owners through every step of selling their business to trusted, qualified buyers. From the start, we conduct a comprehensive business valuation through a Certified Business Appraisal, ensuring an accurate pricing foundation. Our team then prepares a detailed Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), giving buyers an in-depth look at your business and minimizing interruptions to your day-to-day operations by answering common buyer questions on your behalf.
We prioritize confidentiality, requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from all potential buyers before sharing sensitive information. Our business listings reach top platforms, but Kelliher Acquisitions also leverages our exclusive network of over 30,000 qualified buyers and investors across industries, enhancing off-market exposure to the right buyers.
Once listed, we manage negotiations, represent you in buyer discussions, and work to present multiple offers for your consideration. All confidential information remains secure in our password-protected CRM data room, accessible only under NDA.
When an offer is accepted, we guide you through the due diligence phase, ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared. We prioritize efficiency and will not present unqualified buyers. If you are ready to sell your business and get a valuation, schedule a call today. We look forward to helping you achieve a successful sale.
The Process of Selling a Business
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Phase 1: Valuation & Preparation
Conduct a valuation to establish a realistic asking price.
Prepare all documentation, including financial statements, operational documents, legal records, and other relevant materials.
Enhance the business's curb appeal by optimizing systems, processes, and any physical aspects that add value.
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Phase 2: Marketing & Finding Buyers
Create marketing materials and address initial inquiries while upholding strict confidentiality.
Qualify and negotiate with potential buyers, covering terms such as price, payment structure, and timelines.
Draft and finalize the Letter of Intent (LOI) to outline expectations and the process for due diligence.
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Phase 3: Due Diligence
Provide requested documents to the buyer for a thorough review of financials, operations, and compliance.
Respond to any issues uncovered, negotiate final adjustments, and agree on the finalized terms.
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Phase 4: Closing the Sale
Collaborate with attorneys to draft the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) or Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA).
Complete the sale by transferring assets, intellectual property, and legal rights.
Support the post-sale transition, including knowledge transfer and training for the new owner, as agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), businesses with transaction values between $1 million and $5 million typically take 7 to 9 months to sell, while smaller businesses often take 6 to 9 months. A good expectation is 6-12 months.
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Common reasons why a business might not sell include: 1) Poor financials, either inconsistent or declining revenue; 2) Overpricing or unrealistic price expectations; 3) High dependency on the owner, where revenue and customer relationships are heavily tied to ownership; and 4) High customer concentration. When any one customer or client generates more than 20-25% of revenue, it can be a concern for buyers.
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Key documents include the past 3 years of Profit & Loss Statements, Balance Sheets, and Tax Returns, along with equipment lists and appraisals, and building appraisals if applicable. These documents are required for valuation, and additional operational and legal documents may be requested during due diligence.
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We offer both on-market and off-market approaches, which sets us apart from many other firms. With a network of over 30,000 qualified buyers, current business owners, and investors, we are well-equipped to facilitate off-market transactions.
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We recommend waiting until closer to the closing to inform employees, as the sale process may take several months, and early notification can cause unnecessary concern or turnover. We also assist in timing and managing this communication with employees. Confidentiality is crucial throughout the process; your information, including your business name, is only shared with potential buyers who have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
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