One of the primary reasons businesses don't sell is that the business owner is the person with all of the sales relationships. Most buyers have to reduce the value or offer a risk-mitigated structure to get comfortable with the existing owner's role post-acquisition. I often lament about how, as dealmakers, we can address this sooner in the exit planning process. Enter ​Hunt Big Sales​' President ​Carajane Moore​. I had been introduced to her practice by several people who raved about work she had done. I asked her if we could visit about exits and I was taken aback that she was regularly addr ..read more

I regularly get asked about how best to prepare a company for sale. The first challenge is time. Most business owners understate how long it takes to get out. The second is what this episode is about - what little things can you do to make your business ready for sale. It takes time, but it is worth it when you enter the marketplace. If listening isn't your thing, the notes I worked on the show are on the website's blog.  ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines nearly 31 years of valuation and exit planning expertise working with business owners. Ed My ..read more

Exiting a business is a pivotal moment filled with complex emotional and financial decisions. This podcast episode dives into a structured 5-step plan to ensure a successful and fulfilling exit. We explore the significance of understanding your motivations, aligning your exit strategy with your goals, determining your financial needs, deciding on your post-exit involvement, and utilizing an Exit Matrix to balance financial returns with your desired level of engagement. Whether you're contemplating an exit or already planning one, this guide offers invaluable insights to navigate the transition ..read more

The "Telescopic Observation" provides an insightful overview of a strategic framework designed to enhance the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis by offering a more structured approach to examining an organization's internal and external environments. It emphasizes the need for a more focused, inclusive, and systematic methodology to better understand business environments and strategically plan for success. The framework, developed in mid-1999, has been tested across various organizational settings, proving its utility in bringing distant or complex aspects into clos ..read more

In this fresh episode, we explore the Q4 2023 DealStats Value Index, providing a detailed analysis of current business valuation trends. Notably, we've spotted a significant shift: EBITDA multiples are moving towards a normalized figure, landing at 3.4x in Q3 2023, indicating a stabilizing market. Additionally, net sales multiples have slightly risen to 0.49x. A standout observation is the higher valuations public buyers are assigning to private entities, underscoring the strategic value these acquisitions hold. We also spotlight the sustained interest in the technology and healthcare sectors ..read more

In my 30-year journey through the world of deal-making, I’ve had the pleasure of conducting thousands of business valuations and working alongside some of the most talented appraisers across the United States. In this podcast episode, we’re diving into a common confusion in the business valuation process—what you expect versus what you actually get. Most of my work revolves around preparing businesses for sale, and my goal is to ensure that everyone who comes to me for valuation walks away with the insights they need, specifically geared toward selling. Nothing more, nothing less. One area whe ..read more

In this episode, we join Ed Mysogland as he explores the crucial aspects of Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) in the context of M&A transactions. Ed illuminates their essential role in the smooth execution of business sales. The episode offers an in-depth look at critical components of CIMs, including a detailed business overview, industry analysis, and the nuances of business valuation. Drawing on his extensive experience, Ed provides valuable insights into the importance of understanding a company's customer base, marketing approaches, and internal team dynamics, which are vita ..read more

In this episode, Ed Mysogland welcomed Adam Hoeksema, a seasoned professional in the field of financial modeling and business projections. Adam shared his journey from an accounting background to becoming an entrepreneurial force in the financial industry. He emphasized the pivot of his business, Projection Hub, from a subscription model to offering specialized Excel spreadsheet templates and custom financial modeling services.  Adam candidly discussed the challenges and realizations that shaped his business, including understanding market needs and customer preferences. The conversation ..read more

Discover the secrets of trust and asset protection for business owners in this episode. Join expert Bruce Mack as he delves into tax planning and strategies business owners. Learn how forming a trust can shield your business from lawsuits and eliminate capital gains income. Uncover the intricacies of trusts for tax mitigation, asset protection, and financial aid, all while gaining insights from seasoned professionals.  Reach Bruce via: Email: bruce@platinumtrustgroup.com Website: https://platinumtrustgroup.com/ ************ About the Show The Defenders of Business Value Podcast combines n ..read more

Ed Mysogland is discussing books and records with special guest ​Matt Remuzzi​ from ​CapForge​ this week. Next to the value gap, nothing can kill a deal quicker than bad books. Whether you're a business owner, investor, or simply intrigued by the dynamics of financial dealings, this episode is a must-listen. Discover the art of optimizing small business books for sale, unravel the intricacies of financial due diligence, and gain valuable insights into preparing businesses for successful transactions. Join the conversation as Matt shares expert advice on improving financials, navigating M&A ..read more