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When selling your business, choosing the right team of advisors can make or break the deal. Some business owners may question whether to hire an investment bank to help with the transaction—perhaps to save on transaction fees or because there is already a specific buyer in mind. Before deciding to “go it alone,” consider the quantifiable value and 10 benefits of hiring an investment bank. A list of 8 key items is also provided to help you choose the right investment bank for your business.

For a business owner considering the sale of their business, there are two competing goals: maximizing the proceeds from the sale and minimizing the transfer taxes that will be due on the owner’s enhanced estate. With additional insights, Warner Partner Beth O’Laughlin discusses possible ways to accomplish both of these goals through gift and estate tax strategies employed before the owner signs a letter of intent to sell the business.

Selling a business is a calculated, and often very personal, decision many owners make. Some consider selling due to the lack of a solid succession plan, an unclear path to continued success or a desire to spend time elsewhere. Regardless of why, the ultimate consideration is often around timing and potential valuation. You could be asking yourself, “Is now the right time? ”The pandemic and resulting economic turbulence of the past few years may make you hesitant for a business sale and exit, but there are viable reasons to consider it at the present time.

Leaders of founder-owned businesses likely know that the buyer universe essentially breaks down into two main categories—strategic buyers, who focus on synergies and operational integration, and financial sponsors, who emphasize cash flow generation and growth potential in the underlying market. For any founder-owner looking for an optimal outcome in a liquidity event, it’s a good idea to know your audience and its motives.

Many liquidity events involving founder-owned companies face the same underlying challenge: The business owner and outside investors often have diverging perspectives on everything from debt to reliance on third-party advisors to how they think about the future. Bridging this divergence is crucial in finding the right partner and maximizing the value of the sale or investment. Based on extensive experience working with founder-owned companies, we’ve outlined what drives the differences.

When considering that only 20% to 30% of businesses that go to market will actually sell, it’s important to know the factors that impact a business valuation. By applying a value acceleration process framework—one that focuses on increasing value by aligning business, personal, and financial goals—business owners can increase their business value, which will often increase the ease of selling the business, and vice versa.

In a time of turbulence in the marketplace, private companies eyeing an exit should concentrate on building internal efficiencies to get maximum valuations when the time is right. With a focus on the ‘long game’ approach and the value creation, corporate directors who have deep experience in M&A provide their thoughts on how board members can help their companies weather the storm and prepare for the deal process to achieve a successful outcome.

Although business-owning families have foundational reasons for staying invested, most at some point will contemplate whether, when, and how to divest. By asking five key questions, a business owner's decision to hold a concentrated position or unwind all or a portion of the business can be made with greater confidence.

The decision to sell your business is a big one, and you’re far from alone if you’re thinking about making this kind of transition. In this webinar, learn how to determine the right time to sell, the next steps once you decide to make that transition, and the essential tax considerations to keep in mind.