The rise of the Boomer Buyer

Contrary to perceptions that the retirement of the Baby Boomers will exacerbate supply/demand imbalances in the market for buyers of privately-owned businesses, market trends in the United States are revealing a diamterically-opposed reality.  According to research...

Is this the new normal?

Since the onset of what has been termed the Global Financial Crisis – in typical Western shorthand, the GFC – in late 2008, the market for business exits has undergone a radical transformation. Unable – or at best, unwilling – to forecast with any confidence,...

Why it might pay to become a buyer

I was introduced to a new client recently who had taken great pains to set his business up for a successful sale.  Growth was solid, management strong, systems up to date and contracts in place with top clients at good margin.  The financial profile suggested an...

The 7 Deadly Sins of Business Sellers

I was reminded again recently by a now former client of how little most business owners know about and appreciate selling a privately-owned concern, how unrealistic their expectations are, and how loath they are to recalibrate their expectations based on market...

Beware the unlicensed intermediary

In Australia, transaction intermediaries – such as Business Agents, Estate Agents, Corporate Advisors, etc. – are subject to a stringent licensing regime operating at both State and Federal levels.  The licensing system is designed to ensure only...