6 Tips for Acquiring a Company

You probably figured you had to start from scratch if you ever dreamed of starting a company. But, did you know this isn't always the case? You may also look at buying an established business that has its own set of pros and cons.

1.  Do Your Research and Due Diligence
If you buy an existing company, then before making a bid, you should do plenty of research. "By using the following list, SBA.gov recommends you" conduct a comprehensive, impartial investigation:
1.       Letter of Attempt
2.       Agreement on Confidentiality
3.       Leases and Contracts
4.       Economic Results
5.       Returning taxes
6.       Significant Papers
7.       Technical Help

Also, note that by making sure that all licenses and approvals are in order, as well as zoning regulations and any environmental issues, you will have to do your due diligence.

2.  Assemble a Dream Team  
"As Carolyn M. Brown says on Inc., as well as outside advisors such as lawyers, accountants, investment managers, and valuation experts, you can assemble" an internal working team consisting of members from finance, sales and marketing, and operations. Make sure each member has clearly identified representatives for a smooth acquisition, as well as "cohesive thought and continuous contact between team members."

3.  Respect Prior Products, Services, and Customers
On Business 2 Culture, Ben T. Smith, IV has a great point, "you must value what the team has built-in terms of product and consumer relationships," regardless of whether you are only obtaining the talent or holding the business intact. Note, you're going to end up with a lot of really angry engineers on your hands if you annoy their clients or reject their product due to a lack of respect.

4.  Secure Digital Rights  
Giacomazzi, owner of CastCoverZ," Some will attempt to compete as an existing brand with you. Some will be hostile and trash the brand. Some will only buy and keep them, in order to extort, it’s extremely easy to miss locking up a company's digital rights with so much going on. This includes passwords, social media, and email profiles, and web domains. "As the Wall Street Journal tells Annette's purchase price.

5.  Reduce the Purchase
Price If you are looking for ways to lower the company's price, then you might want to start by searching for signs of a distressed sale. In Adroit Lawyers, Mark Tuohy states that these metrics might include: Performance factors, such as decreasing revenue, reduced profit margins, poor financial record-keeping, or poor administrative or legal record-keeping, maybe another reason for the lower price. Finally, ensure that no shoddy management practices occur.

6.  Seek Alternatives to Cash If you need to buy a business ASAP but at the moment you don't have the cash, then look elsewhere for financing. You can use the following alternatives to fund your acquisition, according to Entrepreneur's How to Buy a Business: Using the properties of the seller. Create a list of all the assets you buy (along with any related liabilities) and use it to discuss banks, finance firms, and variables (companies that buy receivable accounts). Co-op purchase. Try shopping for someone else if you can't afford the company yourself. Using an Employees' Stock option plan for Workers (ESOP). By selling stock in the company to workers, ESOPs give you a way to get capital immediately. You still maintain power if you sell only non-voting shares of stock. By agreeing to set up an ESOP scheme, you could be able to get a company for as little as 10 percent of the purchase price.

Leasing with a purchasing option. Some sellers will allow you to lease a company with a purchasing option. If it is your own, you make a down payment, become a minority stockholder, and run the company. Assume liabilities or receivables for a fall. By either bearing the liabilities of the company or letting the seller retain the receivables, minimize the purchase price.

Another thing I do after buying every business is to ask the previous owner what his bottom line was. I do this after we have done it because he doesn't have much to lose. With him, I'm very open about what I might have gone up to. It encourages me to become a stronger negotiator in the future. I recommend it highly.