The First Step in Research

Opportunities can disappear in a blink of the eye!  Engaging in business acquisitions requires buyers to act quickly and assertively. There is quite a bit of activity in the market with many buyers looking for businesses to purchase. The best businesses go fast! If you have been looking at businesses for a few months, or years, you know when good businesses become available.

But potential business buyers repeatedly miss out on deals because they hesitate, want to do all their research up front, want to talk to bankers, industry associations, or do other things that keep them from making a decision. By the time they start to get comfortable with the opportunity, the business is already under contract. This happens time and time again. Don’t do the research hamster wheel.

The first research step should be meeting with the seller. What better way to find out about the business and industry! There will be plenty of time to thoroughly examine the company after the meeting, and the research will most likely be much more efficient.

Why do tons of analysis on a company, meet with advisors and then decide not to move forward after interviewing the seller? Another advantage to meeting with the seller prior to conducting time-consuming research is that he or she could potentially give clues as to what a buyer should be reviewing.

Don’t miss out on that deal that you’ve been waiting for!  Talk to your Apex Business Advisor for more information on buying or selling a business.

Doug Hubler
President