When you think about it, there are really only 3 reasons why a business owner would want to sell their business:
Cashing In
Sometimes the the value of your business could be over inflated, remember the dot com bubble. Throughout history there have been times when the price that a buyer is prepared to pay is huge compared to normal business valuation models.
When: March 11, 2000 to October 9, 2002
Where: Silicon Valley (for the most part)
Percentage Lost From Peak to Bottom: The Nasdaq Composite lost 78% of its value as it fell from 5046.86 to 1114.11.
Imminent Threat
This can be caused by many things:
- New Legislation
- Loss of Resources
- Increased Competition
- Loss of Banking Facilities
Basically the seller will be aware that a problem is looming and they want to sell before the problem damages their business.
Life Changes
From a buyers perspective these are often the best businesses to buy, the key reason behind the sale being:
- Retirement
- Relocation
- Life Style
- Selling due to Illness
- New Business Opportunity
steve@bicknells.net
Business Accountant 