Business Owner

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M&A Advisers Proven to Improve Valuations

Not news to us, of course, but now an academic study validates our long-held claim:  K&A is able to sell a company in a shorter period of time, in a more confidential manner and under more favorable terms than business owners can on their own. From Axial Forum: ************************************************** M&A Advisers Proven to Improve Valuations […]

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7 Pitfalls to Avoid Between LOI and Deal Close

Excellent advice for business owners once they’ve signed a Letter of Intent with a buyer and are working hand-in-hand toward closing.  Time kills deals, and several of these pitfalls cause unnecessary delays that undermine a seller’s negotiating position and jeopardize a successful closing. From Axial Forum: ************************************** 7 Pitfalls to Avoid Between LOI and Deal […]

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Beyond EBIT-DA: 5 Other Factors That Affect How Private Equity Buyers Value Companies

Prospect Partners is long-time, well-respected middle market private equity firm in Chicago.  Since 1998 they’ve invested in over 110 companies, so the following article is valuable for business owners for the insight it provides into the mind of an experienced private equity investor as they communicate to investment bankers the way buyers determine a company’s […]

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How to Win the Game of Life

Key Quote: “There simply is no substitute for the lessons you learn the hard way.  You gain confidence from winning and wisdom from losing.  And over time, you develop your own unique way of playing the game.” From Entreprenuer magazine: **************************************************** How to Win the Game of Life By Steve Tobak If you flip a […]

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Valuation Inflation: Middle Market Multiples on the Rise

Great information from Axial Forum.  However, I’d caution business sellers to notice that these figures are for companies with EBIT-DA over $3 million.  If your company is smaller, the EBIT-DA multiple you can expect buyers to pay will be much lower. *********************************** Valuation Inflation: Middle Market Multiples on the Rise By John Slater | FOCUS Investment Banking Deal […]

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5 Differences Between Financial and Strategic Buyers

Another difference:  Communicating with a strategic buyer, especially if it is a direct competitor, can put the company in a competitive disadvantage.  Even if the buyer signs a nondisclosure agreement, they are learning sensitive information about the business (financial info, customer lists, etc.) that could be used against the company in the event the transaction […]

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When Your Big Customer Wants to Pay Late

Seven tips for business owners dealing with delinquent large customers. From CFO.com. ****************************** When Your Big Customer Wants to Pay Late Big businesses increasingly are making small suppliers wait longer to get paid. Here are seven strategies for pushing back. David Rosenbaum It’s the new normal: big companies are paying their bills late, later, and […]

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Adding Value by Broadening Management Responsibilities

Senior Associate Leland Clemons joined Kasper & Associates in 2012.  His expertise in strategic planning provides a unique perspective for business owners charting the course toward a successful business sale.  He’s written the following article addressing how taking steps to develop a solid management team can improve operations and increase a company’s value. Anyone interested […]

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What Olympians Can Teach Small Business Owners about the Long View

I’ll add to the list:  In post-event interviews, we often hear athletes thank their parents or family members for the sacrifice and support that allowed the athlete to pursue their passion. Business owners, make an effort to acknowledge and thank those around you (spouse, kids, etc.) who accept the sacrifices that accompany entrepreneurship. From Amsterdam […]

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Video: Layne Kasper on Preparing a Business for Sale

Friend of the firm, Roger Whitney with WWK Wealth Advisors, brought in Managing Partner Layne Kasper to provide his clients information about preparing their businesses for sale. Click here to watch the video.