We're often asked the best way to sell a business. There are two key components at play in the sale of a business: structuring the
transaction; and positioning the business to the market. Both elements are important and can significantly impact your result.
Structuring the transaction covers areas such as pricing the business, the terms and conditions attaching to the sale, key terms in the contract, and ensuring the transaction structure is as tax effective as possible. Much of the structuring is about ensuring the vendors secure the most efficient and effective outcome from the sale. It is about maximising the vendor’s position.
Positioning the business for sale is all about ensuring that you achieve a sale and maximise your price. It covers areas such as
ensuring there are no hurdles within the business that will limit its saleability, identifying the competitive position of the business
within its market segment, ensuring that operating performance is as good as it can be, and that the business benchmarks well in its
market.
Positioning also includes identifying the best time to take the business to the market, how to take it to the market, and who the most
likely buyers will be.
Positioning is about doing everything needed to maximise the probability of a sale occurring, whereas structuring is about getting the best
outcome from a transaction once it has occurred. A lot of people make the mistake of spending most of their energy on the structuring of the
transaction. It is important but only becomes important if the sale is achieved.
Structuring should be addressed first to help identify any key decisions that need to be made but put most of your effort into positioning the business for sale. To do this, you need an objective assessment of how the business compares in its market, its competitive position, and what if any impediments to sale exist – all the things a buyer will look at and look for when they assess your business.
Most buyers believe that we are currently in a buyer’s market and will try to drive down price expectations. Whether or not you
are in a buyer’s market depends on your industry segment but regardless of this, you are in a competitive market. Buyers may be
comparing your business to similar businesses but also opportunities in other industry segments.
Securing a sale at the best possible price is about having your business positioned for sale. Preparation time is needed to achieve this
well in advance of putting your business on the market.
Thinking of selling your business? Talk to us today about preparing your business for sale.
The ATO has signalled that it is willing to pursue professional services firms who divert profits to avoid tax.
The 2024-25 Federal Budget is the third for the Albanese Government and consistent with previous years, the primary themes are expected to be the cost of living and the economic shift to net zero.
The ATO has issued a warning to trustees of SMSFs about sloppy valuation practices.
The ATO has issued a warning to trustees of SMSFs about sloppy valuation practices.
In this episode we explore the key areas in your business that you can influence to promote growth, adapt the seven ways to grow for your unique business, and understand how these strategies impact your profit and cash flow.
Equipment finance means there is a viable solution for businesses grappling with cash flow management amid equipment upgrades.
The build-to-rent sector (BTR) is set to outperform traditional buy-and-hold commercial investments.
A Shareholders Agreement is a legally binding contract negotiated by the shareholders of a company, designed to govern their relationship, business arrangements, rights, responsibilities, obligations, and liabilities. It supplements the company's constitution by addressing matters not covered therein, thus offering more comprehensive protection and clarity.
Tourism assets are seeing demand return as a host of high-profile artists and entertainers make their way back to Australia.
For the first time in nearly two decades, retail assets have seen the largest portion of all commercial transactions.
Things to consider before investing in multigenerational living. What do rising geopolitical tensions mean for investment markets? This and more in Issue 16 of SMART Life.
As conflicts between nations flare into open armed warfare and elections around the world become more contentious, there’s plenty to spike investor concern. We look at how wars and political tensions influence investment markets over the long term and examine the im- plications for your retirement savings.
As cost-of-living pressures bite and family members look for ways to support each other, multi-generational living is being discussed as a solution. Pointing out the potential, property researcher CoreLogic identified more than 655,000 residential properties as being suitable for a granny flat in Australia’s three biggest cities.
In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon's expert advice will help you make informed financial decisions and stay connected to your goals, ensuring a financial future you are committed to work towards.
Low-interest rate loans used by dealerships are a good way to get buyers in the door – but if you’re not careful, you may end up overpaying in the long term.
Car loans can feature either fixed or variable interest rates, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
With the surge in property prices, the barrier to entry has never been higher. However, there are many different ways to get into the market.
The difference between the price of units and houses continues to grow, with homes now costing $300,000 more.
The national median house price officially reached $1,005,242 marking the highest price on record.
Vendors are looking to capitalise on rising prices with a surge in new listings hitting the market across Sydney and Melbourne.
Running a business is not just about crunching numbers and meeting targets; it's also about fostering a strong team dynamic and creating a shared vision. That's why I recently organized a 2-day corporate retreat for the entire SMART team at Phillip Island, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
A recent case highlights the dangers of taking money out of a company without carefully considering the tax implications.
The revised stage 3 tax cuts have passed Parliament and will come into effect on 1 July 2024.
From 1 July 2024, the amount you can contribute to super will increase.
Thousands of taxpayers and their agents were advised by the Australian Taxation Office that they had an outstanding historical tax debt.
In Australia, testamentary trusts have become useful for more people than ever before. They're not just for the wealthy anymore.
In this podcast episode of The Accountant That Builds we're starting off with a deep dive into the world of superannuation, helping you understand how to make the most of your retirement savings.
There are effective ways to fit out your practice for maximum efficiency and success.
Construction cost increases have reaccelerated, but the good news is they are now returning to their normal trend.
Jackie Prossor shares her story on growth and evolving as a professional and a business owner, with the help of Shannon and the SMART Business Solutions team.
Commercial transactions could start to rebound in 2025, with lower prices.
A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December.
Simone was burdened with excessive debt. They have a large house with a large mortgage. Not only did this mean that her and her family were going backwards financially, she was stressed and this was affecting her ability to concentrate for long hours.
Investing in property can be a lucrative venture, especially for small business owners looking to diversify their portfolio or secure a stable source of income.
As a small business owner or employee on wages, planning for your future includes managing your superannuation effectively.
Before committing to any car loan, it’s vital that you examine the fine print. Ensure you understand every aspect of the loan and ask questions.
A stable employment history is important when it comes to assessing your borrowing power.
In the ever-evolving landscape of small business ownership, it is imperative to remain vigilant and proactive, especially when it comes to financial management. We delve into key strategies and insights to help small business owners navigate financial challenges effectively.
In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit talks about business structure and setting yourself up with the right foundations to ensure a stable ground to encourage business growth, hiring, expansion and compliance.
Australia’s surging population growth is likely to drive increased demand for both rental properties and student accommodation.
Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.
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