There are a few people who want to acquire a business instead of starting a new one. In case you are planning to buy a faltering business for a cheap amount and turning it around, let me tell you that this is the way you can move. This is where the madness lies. According to the Small Business Administration, the start up companies have been known to fail for 50% to 60%, but the number is closer to 85% for people who purchase in hopes of having a turnaround, according to a study performed by the Northeastern University.
Purchasing a profitable business is on the other hand a different issue altogether. You have a cash flow system from day one and an established reputation. If you are lucky, you will have a seller who will help in financing your deal, according to the President of "Partner" On-Call, Ted Leverette. This is a franchise which is based in the North Palm Beach, Florida. This helps match buyers with the sellers of the small and midsized businesses.
According to Leverette, there are certain basic requirements for purchasing a business. Irrespective of the high and mighty sales talks, it is advised not to purchase anything which has not been profitable for the last 5 years and it includes the Recession. It is advised not to purchase anything which has an annual pretax net cash flow below $100000. This is the smallest amount which you want to proceed with. Go for a competitive advantage. The business should have something which makes it look unique.
When there are specific business opportunities concerned, make sure you have an open mind. It is a great idea to purchase the best business in the industry even if the overall industry is struggling. If there is a toppling, those who survive are winners. After the deal is secured, retain the seller of the business as a consultant and hire a good manager as even the best of businesses will fail in case they are not well managed.
Make sure that you retain the best of employees. You will require someone who scores well in the product area and a person who actually understands the tenets of marketing. Once that is done, you will feel like compensating them well. |