Question:
Selling a small business to someone doesn't seem that difficult. Why can't I
do it myself?
Answer:
There are many variables inherent in the sale or purchase of a business.
These may include valuations, due diligence, tax strategy, legal structure
of entity, ESOP versus outright sale, and constantly changing government
regulations. The complex nature of a sale or purchase requires careful
evaluation from both sides of the transaction. Your CPA's representation and
coordination during this process can be critical to your success - both in
closing the transaction and maximizing profit potential
Question:
Can't my CPA handle it on his or her own?
Answer:
Yes, but you'll achieve a quicker, more positive result from the use of the
7,500-member network that United Business Alliance provides. As your trusted
advisor, your CPA is valuable in whatever role he or she occupies. But by
working with UBA, your CPA brings an added resource to the transaction
table. From prospect to closing, you'll experience several advantages. These
include:
- Access to a nationwide network of
interested buyer/seller clients of our CPAs
- Professional to professional communication
in issue resolution
- Common awareness of transactional issues,
problems and regulations
- Common goals to make the transaction
successful
Question:
So, is United Business Alliance a business broker?
Answer:
Not at all. UBA is a network of CPA firms across the United States, and each
of these firms represents many privately-owned companies. When one of these
companies is ready to sell, we work only through the UBA organization. So
instead of using a "shotgun" approach in hopes of discovering a
buyer, we provide information about your business in a discreet,
professional manner.
Question:
Some brokers claim to be "industry specialists." Wouldn't they
already know the best options for selling my business? Why shouldn't I use
one of them?
Answer:
There are several reasons to choose a UBA-affiliated CPA over a traditional
business broker. For one thing, working through our network of over 7,500
CPAs gives us the opportunity to "pre-qualify" prospective buyers
with whom our member firms have an existing relationship. Therefore, UBA
firms already know whether their clients are capable of buying a proposed
business. This eliminates disappointing surprises - as well as "tire
kickers" who don't need to be looking at your company's records in the
first place.
Secondly, selling a business can often be a
stressful affair. In such a case, you want to be associated with an advisor
who will not pressure you into making important decisions more quickly than
you prefer. As someone with whom you already have a trustworthy, working
relationship, your own UBA-affiliated CPA will make the process a much more
pleasant and less stressful experience.
Question:
Can UBA help me sell my business while keeping the transaction from becoming
public knowledge?
Answer:
Definitely. Privacy is another reason your CPA is a better choice to handle
the sale or purchase of a privately-owned business. There can be negative
consequences to the seller when the public becomes aware of a business being
for sale, including reduced sales, decreased employee morale, and the
possibility that your competitors might find out and use that knowledge to
their advantage.
Operating within the UBA professional
network, the seller greatly reduces their chances of the event becoming
public knowledge. Everyone in our network is bound by a code of professional
ethics and subscribes to the highest standards of professional conduct. We
bring integrity to the bargaining table.
