To effectively offer a business for sale, all information needed by a prospective buyer must be included in the offering presentation and address the following:

• What a business owns and earns
  
• Recasting financial statements to reflect an economic view for the true earnings of the business.
  
• Recasting the value of assets to reflect true market value.
  
• Intangible and goodwill values
  
• Review of profit and loss statements, tax returns, and balance sheets for economic trends.
  
• Arriving at the best price and terms with the use of weighted, multiple evaluation methods.
  
• Detailed information about the business
  
  

How will my business be advertised?

The advertising of each business will depend upon the size and type of the business. CF Alexander & Associates, LLC uses different media to solicit prospective buyers, local and national newspapers, the Wall Street Journal, trade publications and multiple Internet web sites specializing in advertising businesses for sale. In addition, letters are mailed to companies that are potentially seeking to make an acquisition to determine their level of interest. This is done in a manner that protects the business identity.

What do I need to do to help sell my business?

The first thing you need to do is offer the business at a realistic price and with reasonable terms. You need to provide as much information as is possible to the broker so a professional marketing package, including a business profile, can be prepared on your company. The quality of the business profile will greatly enhance the “sale ability” of a business. A package prepared by Alexander & Associates will contain the financial, operational and historical information about the business. Informed buyers make better offers. Other things a seller can do are:

• Continue to run your business in a normal manner.
  
• Keep the business clean and organized (on paper and in person), so potential buyers will like what they see.
  
• Liquidate or set aside obsolete inventory and unneeded equipment before you place the business on the market.
  
• Notify your broker of any material changes in your business.
  
• Forward monthly financial statements to the broker as soon as they are completed. This will keep your marketing package current.
  
• Do not meet with potential buyers without your broker being present. Avoid direct negotiations.
  

All offers and counter-offers should be in writing and presented by the Broker.