What is the main benefit of selling my business through a brokerage?

Some business owners feel that they would save money if they sold their business themselves. However, most business and property owners do not have a strong understanding of the many factors involved in the deal structuring and selling process.  When the seller has limited knowledge about the available alternatives for structuring the deal, he is at a costly disadvantage. Items such as leverage buy-outs, leases, royalties, earn-outs, consulting agreements and non-compete contracts can add immeasurable value security to the deal for both the buyer and seller.

How does Bridge protect my confidentiality?

Confidentiality is vital to the selling of a business. If employees know that you are selling and changes are coming, they may seek other opportunities. Competitors may use this information as a selling tool to gain your clients' business. Vendors may not continue to extend credit terms. The profitability and market value of the business may deteriorate due to a breech in confidentiality. In addition, Bridge's agreement and ensuring investigation help to prequalify buyers.  Knowing how to qualify a buyer is critical. Pre-qualifying buyers avoids wasted time and effort on someone who is not serious or financially able.

What is most important for me during the business sale?

It is important for the owner to maintain the business at peak operating capacity. The performance and productivity of the business is what is really being sold. Many owners make the mistake of trying to sell their business themselves without realizing the time it will take away from their own business. This lost time from running the business properly may directly result in a loss of business.

How will Bridge present my business?

It is important to have all the information a potential buyer would want on the business presented in a clear professional manner, which can assist the buyer in making an informed decision. This information should be packaged to present the business at its best and to ensure confidentiality. Unfortunately, even when an owner tries to sell his own business, he will often lose a potential buyer by not having the detailed information, as described above. Recommendations on improvements, customer base, competition, financial history, growth potential and areas of opportunity are part of the comprehensive report Bridge develops for each sale.