How To Take Over And Fund An Already Existing Business

Advisor November 24, 2017

People want to have a business of their own. Who doesn’t want to be the boss of their own company and not settle as an employee? One good idea is buying an existing one. If you think you have that kick of being an entrepreneur but having a hard time in creating a new idea or would rather avoid the trouble of starting a new one, an existing company or organization would be ideal.

This may involve an upfront cost but it has fewer risks than starting a new one. You are looking at the actual profit and loss records rather than rough estimates of the business venture. This also gives you a chance to acquire the patents, copyrights, and the opportunity to drive the business into an exciting new direction that was not yet explored by its previous owner.

Why do founders often sell their business?

Most Founders Sell their Businesses For a Lot of Reasons

Most people have a cultural stigma that when a business is being sold, something might be wrong with it. It could be all kinds of wrong ranging from bad finance and it’s about to go under. That could be true but not all the time. Like you, founders have built their companies for many different reasons. It could be that they’ve had a change of heart and that their businesses no longer fit in their lifestyle. It could also be a financial infatuation and they’ve grown bored with the idea.

Selling a business is not an easy move. The founders have made it from scratch. They needed to make sure that their company is in the right hands. The right buyer should have the passion and the vision to take the business to new heights and enable to make the company perform well in the future.

There are 6 steps in moving forward the dreams of buying an existing business.

Find a Business That Suits You

Find an Existing Business Idea that Interests You

Find an Existing Idea that Interests You

Pursuing the purchase of an existing business is not an easy feat. This decision could turn your life around for the years to come. It would be an advantage to know the type of idea that suits you before deciding to buy. Determine the location that suits you, the line of the industry you could be in and the size of business you could manage.

Whether you live near its vicinity or choose one that’s near you already. It could also be that you are looking for a business in a specific location. Knowing these things are important as it will have an impact on your taxes, labor costs, and other financial factors.

Search for Available Businesses

Find Available Business for Sale

When you’re done in determining the company that suits you, you will have to hit close to home before inquiring the internet for “business for sale”. When you don’t find anything you feel that suits you, the internet will be ready for the hunt. Note that in researching businesses sold online, bad deals are a possibility.

Be Open For Business Brokers

Consult with a Broker

Consider consulting or hiring a business broker. They would be the one to take the stress of screening the right company for you. They will be helpful in pointing out the interesting parts and negotiate the business purchase. They work just like real estate agents and charge a 5%-10% commission on the purchase price. Remember not to let yourself get pushed in a hasty decision.

Due Diligence Completion

Slow down and control the excitement of diving head-first into the business purchase. Some companies look great at first but could have underlying issues. This could be a bad choice. Assemble a team for the acquisition, especially when not having a broker. There will be a need for an independent evaluations firm and acquisitions lawyer. The team would determine the value and the state of the company. Consider how the connection and expertise of the current owner could affect the value, this is a business valuation in determining its worth.

Secure the Necessary Funds

Secure Your Funds

Purchasing an existing business has a lot of benefits. Unless you’re already established and wealthy, you will need to acquire the funds necessary. After settling on the price of purchase, know the funding that you will need. Your sources of financing are depending on the options available and which one you prefer better. Do a research about it.

Draft The Agreement Of Sales

Be Sure to Prepare the Agreement of Sales and State all Your Terms and Agreements Before Sealing the Deal

After finalizing the negotiating terms and securing the funding, it’s time to draft the agreement and sign the papers. Keep in mind that it is important to work with a reputable lawyer and that you understand the terms of the agreement before signing anything.