A currently popular question during the merger and acquisition (M&A) diligence process is whether to utilize electronic or onsite data rooms. For a target company, electronic data rooms provide benefits including operational efficiencies. Private equity groups enjoy similar efficiencies but also typically value the communication and culture aspects of the onsite data room. [...]
A succession plan outlines the process for changing control of a business when the owner(s) step(s) down from leadership while continuing business operations. Watch Michael Scott explain why it's never too early to begin succession planning.
A buy-sell agreement plays an important role in the life cycle of any business. Solidly constructed agreements outline how to handle the death or disability of business partners, and define succession planning in exact terms. A buy-sell agreement should be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that the business is protected. Watch Scott [...]
They say that luck is the residue of design. That is typically true for business owners that sell their companies for premium valuations (i.e. the greatest values). They are not only lucky but also reaping the rewards of a well-designed exit strategy. There are countless published tips to maximize business sale, improve the value of [...]
Succession planning is critical to any business’ long-term success. Being realistic and prepared are the keys to the success of a succession plan. Watch David Oliver discuss succession planning and the benefits of being prepared for the unexpected.
Many business owners launch their enterprises with a business plan—a written document outlining the company’s strategy. Likewise, many owners exit their businesses via a succession plan—a written document detailing the transition of a company’s ownership. All too often these two documents do not cross paths or even lead toward a common goal. Therefore, once business owners have [...]
Life is moving and changing at a rapid pace. How prepared is your company for the future, and how prepared is your business exit strategy? Next to a crystal ball, a valuation of your company is the best thing to provide you insight into the drivers of value of your company. The valuation is also [...]
Every company must evolve over time to compete and meet changing customer needs. However, sometimes a company may develop to the point where different segments don’t work well together or multiple owners find themselves unable to agree on a strategic direction. Dividing the business into separate entities may provide a way to handle these types [...]
“Price is only an issue in the absence of value.” I wrote this statement down and underlined it as my economics professor emphatically repeated the theory. Even today, I’d claim that this idea is the single most important concept my college education provided. Not only is this statement accurate, but it especially holds true in ongoing valuations [...]
Although the prospect of acquiring a company may seem intimidating, many businesses succeed with strategic acquisitions. Given the need for due diligence, negotiating financing options, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidelines that affect the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) accounting process, involving knowledgeable CPAs is more important than ever before. Let’s consider the key FASB [...]
Would you leave for an overnight trip without packing a bag? Would you go to court without a capable attorney? Would you face the IRS without a skilled CPA? If you answered “no” to all three of these questions, then you’ll be surprised to know that many business owners tackle situations as complex as raising [...]
It is natural for business owners to want to manage the companies they built from the ground up. As a result, they often procrastinate on creating a business succession plan, which helps a company prepare for a change in ownership. The following four tips can make succession planning a much smoother process – even for [...]
It seems as though business owners are travelling along a road that inevitably leads to choices involving funding, capital structure, or even a change in business ownership. Those choices may lead to business transactions that are an extremely rewarding experience for some who are prepared. Unfortunately, some business owners may not take critical steps that [...]
Thanks to the “Great Recession,” there are considerably more merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities – especially for small businesses – than there were in the past. Accordingly, it pays to be prepared to make the most of these changing times by gaining some knowledge about M&A for small businesses. Small Business M&A Basics Perspective is [...]
Goodwill impairment testing used to be as complicated as line dancing with two left feet. Expressed concerns about the old process prompted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to amend the stringent requirements. The new process is essentially a simple qualitative assessment of carrying amount and fair market. This change applies to companies with fiscal [...]
