Obtaining a Fair Market Value for Your Business

Divestopedia published a rather insightful article, "Letting the Market Bridge the Valuation Gap." In this article, Dave Kauppi dives in and explores how fair market value can be used as a way for business owners to "bridge the gap between the valuation they feel they deserve and that which they're likely to receive." This, of course, increases the chances of a deal actually taking place. Let's turn our attention to some of the key points in Kauppi's informative article.

Understanding the Reality of Selling a Business

One key point is that only a low percentage of businesses actually sell on their first attempt. The article points out that a mere 10% of businesses that are for sale are actually sold three years later; this is a simply brutal fact. Few facts, if any, help underscore the value of working with a business broker more than this point. Selling a business can be difficult under even the best of circumstances. The process is complex, and most sellers have never actually sold a business before.

Ultimately, it is critical for business owners to have realistic expectations regarding valuation. As the article points out, the market doesn't care "how much money you need for retirement," or how much you've invested.

Four Points to Consider

According to the article, it is important that business owners understand that a few business characteristics will ultimately drive the sale. There are four key factors to consider:

• Contractually recurring revenue
• Durable competitive advantage
• Growth rate
• Customer concentration

One often overlooked aspect of valuing a business is that last point. In terms of customer concentration, if a large percentage of your business is derived from a single customer, then that is going to be seen as a problem. If your company is dependent and partially dependent on a single customer, then you can expect a lot of pressure for you, as the business owner, to stick around a lot longer to ensure that this key customer isn't lost. If intellectual property, such as software, is involved, then things can get even more complex.

In the end, working with a seasoned business broker, one that understands valuation and how best to get there, is a must. You want to receive the best possible price for your business. An experienced business broker will help you understand how to navigate the complex process of determining a price. However, and most importantly, a business broker will help you achieve a fair market value, so that your business doesn't remain unsold for years.

THIELGROUP does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice and strongly advises its clients to seek independent tax & legal advice from professionals who possess an expertise in business transactions.