By Bizna Brand Analyst
The discussion of mergers, acquisitions and investors is a common topic in business. As a small business owner who’s worked hard to start a business and keep it growing, the thought of selling your business may have never even crossed your mind. But in the corporate realm, there are always investors looking to diversify their holdings and take part in ventures that look promising and will give a promising return. So even though you may have never thought of selling your Biashara, you should at least keep these thoughts in mind if you are ever approached.
EVALUATE THE STRENGTH AND OPPORTUNITIES OF YOUR BIASHARA
If you are approached by an investor interested in buying your business and feel like it may be a good option, set up a meeting, but set it several days out so that you have time to gather your thoughts. Take a look at the strengths and opportunities of your business and determine what these assets are worth. Before even beginning a discussion with an investor, you need to know what your business is worth in order to price any shares accordingly and not get taken advantage of.
SOLICIT ADDITIONAL OFFERS
After meeting with the investor and hearing what they are willing to offer, thank them for their time and ask for additional time to think it over. You may think the deal is terrible, fair or really great, but don’t rush a response. Instead, after the meeting, meet with a good financial advisor who understands the field of mergers and acquisitions. This person is experienced with these types of sales, and after reviewing the offer, will help you seek out other potential investors and leverage the first offer to generate interest and possibly drum up a better option. Be sure to go with a professional adviser in order to solicit quality offers.
ALSO TRY TO GET ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS SOLD THEIR BUSINESS BEFORE
Research around for people who have sold their businesses before and try to contact them. Their advice will be very vital. You will know if they were screwed, and if so, why were they screwed. If it went well for them, you will also get to know and follow a similar path that they did.
MAKE A DECISION
Once you’ve met with the adviser and reviewed any additional offers that have been placed on the table, you have a complete view of how much investors value your business and want to be a part of it. If you’re reaching a time in your life when you want to retire or receive funding to take on new ventures, then weigh the pros and cons of each offer and make a decision to move forward.
If you ultimately don’t want to sell, respond to the investors letting them know you thank them for their interest but aren’t interested right now. Either way, you are now in tune with the worth of your business and know how to interact with investors should you ever become interested in selling.