When building a business, the highest priorities often include growing revenue and profitability. But what about increasing the value of your business with an eye toward selling it in the future? Taking into account the eventual sale of your business during the early stages of its growth can help ensure that you receive the highest returns possible.
Whether you intend to retire, leave the business to family members, get out while on top, or trade in your company for the next great idea, you will be in a much better position if you start planning early — well before you actually are ready to exit.
Foley hosted this seminar that outlined — using a timeline approach — the steps that should be taken prior to the consummation of any transaction. These steps will help to ensure maximum potential for successfully completing any acquisition plan.
Topics for the seminar included:
- Implementing balance sheet adjustments — actual versus pro forma
- Achieving maximum value for your company
- Bridging price gaps between buyers and sellers
- Identifying the most successful sale processes
- Determining whether to use business brokers and investment bankers
- Using seller paper, earn outs, and other deferred compensation
- Incentivizing employees so they assist in any planned transaction
These and other topics were addressed in an informal, interactive panel session led by Foley Emerging Technologies Industry Team Chair Susan E. Pravda.
“How to Prepare Your Company for Sale and Maximize Value” is part of Foley’s 2007 Boston Executive Briefings Series.