Articles

In insurance parlance, if you insure a particular exposure, you’re covered. If not, you’re bare. If you’re looking for a policy that covers something that’s never been covered before, you’re… naked. That’s the situation many privately held, small and middle market companies find themselves in when they seek to sell their business. The Buyer asks […]

Welcome to the future of deal-making! With environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) considerations swiftly emerging as a paramount concern for regulators, investors, customers, and employees alike, companies are increasingly focusing on creating long-term value through responsible business practices and overall strategy, including potential merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions. By embracing sustainability, your company could […]

According to informal interviews with owners of middle market businesses who sold all or portions of their companies, the determination to sell was among the most difficult decisions in their lifetimes.  Many shared that the sale was one of the most important milestones on the journey through life. As important as selling decisions were to […]

One of the most common phrases often heard in merger and acquisition negotiations is: “The deal is done; we’re not buying the company.” As a rule of thumb, all good deals die seven times. Most business owners are under the impression sales are simple, like real estate transactions. However, that’s an unfair comparison. People tend […]

“Take Care of Key Employees When Selling Your Business” We had found the perfect buyer, a strategic in the same industry. It looked like this transaction had a good chance to close. The owner of this successful Twin Cities business, who was living in another state, had done a nice job of removing herself from […]

That famous business owner question … what is my business worth, really means how much will I get in my blue jeans.? Total Proceeds Typically, there are 3 main contributors to Sellers’ total proceeds: Offer Price – Cash at closing and any Promissory Note; Final Adjustments – including excess transferred Working Capital settlement payment after […]

This is the second part of Blue River’s educational series entitled “Straight Talk to Owners About Business Valuations”  written by Blue River’s Managing Partner, William Loftis. The series is designed to help middle market business owners and their transaction advisors (i.e., attorneys, CPAs, investment bankers, M&A brokers, and others) appreciate the importance of accurately understanding business value before going […]

Blue River Financial Group – When middle market business owners place their privately held companies for sale, they soon discover the market is the final determiner of value, not appraisers, CPAs, or even their own opinions. The market can delight or disappoint depending on an owner’s expectations. Disappointment inevitably arises when the highest offers received […]

Are you considering selling your business? If not now, a bit further down the road? Whether you are expecting a leisurely drive with the top down or a rally-car cliff hanger, some special insights can help you avoid wrong turns and dead ends. WHAT’S MOTIVATING YOUR MOVE? It is always better to have as the […]

Selling your business? What if I told you that you could exclude up to $10 Million from the sale of your business if you meet certain parameters. It is important business owners take note of the requirements as they are very important in order to qualify for the exclusion. Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue […]