Selling

No two transactions are alike, but our over-riding concern is the interests of our client. We take into consideration every aspect of your interests and concerns including valuation, deal structure, tax, company culture, legal, management and employees.

The following is our methodology, developed over years of working in the lower middle market

Company Visit

One of the best parts about our work is meeting you and learning about your business. No two are alike, and during the visit we will learn about your company and industry, your financials and what drives the value of your company.  We will also educate you on what to expect during the selling process.

Located off the beaten path? You probably have small airport nearby, and we enjoy nothing more than using our plane (all photos on this site are from aerial photos over the western US from the plane) to visit great companies.  The plane typically brings us within two hours of a face to face meeting.

Preparation

We have one chance to make a first impression on buyers.  We will spend time with you to understand what aspects of your business are ready for market and what needs work. Strategic buyers, private equity groups and sophisticated private buyers expect a professional “book” and a financial analysis. We use our years of experience to prepare marketing materials, and also to anticipate questions in order to defend the value of your company.

Also, over the years we have developed a large network of specialized professionals such as CPAs, attorneys and strategic consultants to name a few that can be brought in if needed to put your company into the best shape for presentation to buyers.  We will act as quarterbacks for the team to keep the process moving as quickly as possible.

Marketing the Company

We don’t just use the business-for-sale websites like a main-street business broker, and we don’t just call a few strategic companies like a high-end investment banker does. We market the company to a researched list of buyers as well as our internal list of buyers. Email campaigns, direct calling, direct mail and business-for-sale web sites are all used to in order to create a competitive environment that will get you the best price. The marketing is done using “blind” materials, and your confidentiality is maintained until a buyer is qualified and has signed a non-disclosure.

Managing Buyers

We’ve been through this ourselves when selling our own firms, and we know there is never enough time in the day run the company and manage the sales process. Our objective is to allow you to continue to focus on running and managing the business, while we screen buyers, answer their questions and move them through the process. Only those qualified buyers who remain serious are introduced to the company.

Company Meetings and Negotiations

We obtain an indication of the price range the buyer is willing to pay before you expend the time and energy of a meeting. We then enter a period of meetings and negotiations, ending with a signed Letter of Intent. We are also supporting you through the due diligence phase, and will be there with you at closing.

Please Give us a Call

To discuss your situation in confidence and get an estimate of company value, please give Graeme Plant a call at 530-304-0181 or email at graeme (at) compasspointcapital.com.   The free eBook focused on the lower middle market really is helpful so let him know if you don’t have it yet and he’ll make sure you get a copy of that or the bound Amazon version.