Maximizing the value of a business before selling is crucial for owners who want to make the most out of their deals. Often, business owners overlook important considerations and could benefit from the guidance of professionals in the field. Whether you’ve built your company from the ground up and are seeking a change of direction, or you’ve planned to sell it all along, it’s essential to ensure you extract the maximum value from the sale.
While you may have a general idea of what needs to be done, it’s important to note that owners at the end of their ownership journey might not be thinking about the right things. To help you boost the value of your company before selling, we’ve compiled our top five tips:
Mind your margins
Taking expenses for granted or using the company credit card for personal expenses can eat away at your profit margins. This is a significant aspect that potential buyers consider. As you approach the sale, it’s crucial to minimize unnecessary expenses and demonstrate financial prudence. You can attract more potential buyers by presenting a clean and healthy profit margin.
Have accounts audited
Buyers need to have complete confidence in the financial integrity of your company. To achieve this, ensure your accounts are audited by professionals. Audited accounts provide a transparent and accurate overview of your financial performance, helping potential buyers understand the profit sources, revenue cycles, and future projections. When a third-party professional has verified your accounts, it instils trust and reassures buyers about the reliability of the financial information.
Focus on recurring revenue streams
During the final stages of ownership, it’s important to prioritize stable and recurring revenue streams over one-time opportunities. Buyers are often looking for a reliable return on investment from a proven and consistent income stream. Additionally, they value long-term and stable relationships with clients, customers, or suppliers. As you near the end of your ownership tenure, focus on maintaining existing relationships and cultivating a dependable revenue base. Playing it safe ensures a more attractive proposition for potential buyers.
Keep key staff in place
Stability and sustainability are key factors in a successful business transition. Potential buyers are wary of high turnover rates, inexperienced employees, and low staff morale. To mitigate these concerns, it is essential to retain your key personnel throughout the transition. When you announce your intention to sell, consider introducing incentives for your valuable employees, such as additional holiday days for long-term team members or profit-based bonus plans. By emphasizing the importance of key staff members, you create a more appealing and stable environment for potential buyers.
Create a favourable first impression
By the time you decide to sell, you may have grown accustomed to your workplace and may not notice signs of wear and tear. However, potential buyers will see your business with fresh eyes. It is crucial to make a positive first impression by ensuring your workspace is well-maintained and visually appealing. Simple improvements, such as a fresh coat of paint, updated furniture, and up-to-date literature in the waiting area, can greatly enhance the overall perception of your company’s value. Attention to these details can significantly impact a buyer’s impression of your business.
Remember, selling a company is not just about the actual value but also the perception of value. As the owner, you play a vital role in creating and maintaining this perception. By making informed choices and paying attention to the little details, you can enhance the overall value of your company and ensure a successful sale that benefits all parties involved.