Selling your business marks a tremendous milestone in any business owner’s journey. Your exit should reflect the years of hard work and dedication you put into it. Our business brokerage firm understands the importance of finding the right buyer for your business. We’ll connect you with someone who respects it and will keep it alive.
At Cooperhawk, we make it easy to sell your business. We’ll negotiate on your behalf and keep you informed every step of the way. With transparency and trust, we’ll make sure you understand your options so you can proceed with total confidence.
Selling a Business Step-by-Step
Selling your business doesn’t have to be the daunting endeavor many people make it out to be. Here’s what it looks like with the right brokerage on your side.
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Valuation, Preparation & Self-Assessment
We start with a free business valuation and an honest assessment of where you stand today. From there we can provide specific recommendations on steps you can take to improve the business before it goes to market.
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Marketing & Buyer Identification
We’ll create a confidential listing, tap into our network of vetted buyers, and strategically promote your business to bring serious prospects to the table.
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Negotiation & Due Diligence
We manage offers, facilitate negotiations, and guide you through the due diligence process to ensure you know exactly what to do and what’s coming next.
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Closing & Transition
Along with your CPA and attorney, we’ll help you finalize the deal to support a smooth handoff to the buyer.
Why Business Owners Choose Us
Proven Track Record
Honest, Transparent Support
Vetted Buyer Network
Maximum Value, Right Buyer
Selling a Business FAQs
Determining your business’ valuation hinges on several factors, including revenue, profitability, industry, operations, customer base, market conditions, and more. At Cooperhawk, we offer free business valuations to help sellers get an idea of what their business may realistically sell for in today’s market.
Multiples vary by industry, business size, and financial health. A multiplier is a number applied to your earnings (typically EBITDA or SDE) to estimate the value of your business. While many businesses fall within a common range, the right multiplier depends on your individual situation.
Businesses are also valued based on comparable sales in the industry. We’ll help you understand what applies to your business and why.
This is on a case-by-case basis, as every business has different areas where they could improve. In general, start preparing as early as possible. Organize your finances, reduce unnecessary expenses, and make sure everything is documented. Buyers are more attracted to sellers with clean, clear, organized information, as this indicates a smoother process overall. For more information, check out our guide to selling your business.
A lot. Buyers and lenders are going to look closely at your financials, usually over the last three to five years. The cleaner and more accurate your profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow are, the more confidence a buyer will have and the stronger your position will be when offers come in.
This is an age-old question with no solid answer. The average time it takes to sell a business is around 9 months (from start to close) but this can vary quite a bit depending on industry, the market, and terms & conditions. Some deals close in as little as 30 days while others take years. Our business brokerage focuses on securing the best deal for you with optimal terms for the most favorable outcome.
Focus on your financials first. Buyers and lenders will scrutinize them, and gaps or inconsistencies can cost you. Then look at staffing, equipment, systems, and day to day operations. Most buyers prefer a business that is organized, well run, and easier to step into.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Get started with a complimentary business valuation, no strings attached. See what your business could be worth with an honest assessment from a leading business brokerage. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.
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