How to Evaluate a Business to Buy

How to Evaluate a Business to Buy

As you can imagine, purchasing a business is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. In fact, it is one of the most expensive commitments you will make in your lifetime. Therefore, choosing the right one is important. When you are looking to purchase a business, there are a number of factors to consider before making an offer. The first step, of course, is to think about the industry and type of business you would like to purchase. Secondly, hire a trustworthy and compatible business broker to lend expertise and guide you through the process. Furthermore, consider these 5 factors when evaluating a business to buy. Reputation Competition Current ...

3 Things You Need to Know About Obtaining Funds to Buy A Business

3 Things You Need to Know About Obtaining Funds to Buy A Business

Buying a business often requires you to have the money necessary to complete your acquisition. This can be achieved in a variety of different ways. No matter what method you finally choose to pursue, to be successful you will need to be aware that different sources of capital will have their own priorities. So, to give you the best chance of securing the funding you need, let’s look at three possible sources of credit and consider how you should modify your approach in each instance to guarantee the best outcome. 1. Getting a bank loan Perhaps the most formal way to get the money you need to buy a ...

5 Best Industries to Buy a Business Right Now

5 Best Industries to Buy a Business Right Now

  Not all industries are created equal and not all industries are worth investing in. As the job market improves and unemployment rates drop - to 3.8% in February 2019, to be exact, your next business investment may just be around the corner. You may have your specific interests, your niches, and your curiosities; however, some of those may be more valuable in today’s market than others. If you are buying a business in 2019, here are 5 of the best industries to consider. 1. Micromobillity Think electric-powered bikes, scooters, and skateboards. A future free of petroleum-driven vehicles and increases in simplified urban transportation means this industry is booming with no signs of ...

Transworld Business Advisors, the world's leading business brokerage and development franchise, celebrated 40 years of service to the business community

Transworld Business Advisors, the world's leading business brokerage and development franchise, celebrated 40 years of service to the business community

Transworld Business Advisors, the world's leading business brokerage and development franchise, celebrated 40 years of service to the business community at its recent conference held in Orlando – attended by more than 200 brokers. "The convention was the single most important event of the year because franchisees from around the world came together to engage, collaborate, and learn best practices that help franchisees close more deals," said Andy Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld. Read the full press release

How to Sell Your Business with Transworld Business Advisors

How to Sell Your Business with Transworld Business Advisors

Successfully selling your business is tough, but with the guidance of the experts at Transworld Business Advisors you can get it done!  At Transworld we have detailed and proven steps, to ensure the process stays on track.  You need to continue to run your business to ensure it continues to be profitable, right through the sale date.   Let the professionals at Transworld take you through the steps outlined below. Step 1: Understanding your goals The first step is to see what your future plans entail. Your broker will ask you about your future and analyze everything from operations to finances, and then will evaluate relevant market standing, ...

How to Buy the Right Business for You

How to Buy the Right Business for You

Buying a business is without a doubt a multi-step process. However, the steps do not merely begin at the point of research for businesses for sale or making an offer, but rather, in deciding what kind of business is right for you. There are a number of personal factors to consider when coming to this decision; keep in mind these five factors when picking the right business for you to buy. Lifestyle The first thing to ask yourself is, How much time do I want to focus on building the business? This is relevant because you can choose to start your business from scratch - building it from the ground ...

5 Factors that Make Your Business Stand Out When Trying to Sell

5 Factors that Make Your Business Stand Out When Trying to Sell

Your business may be unique to you but because it belongs to an industry and has competitors, it falls under certain well-known categories. In order to stand out during a sale and get the best offer possible, there are 5 factors to consider. These factors will not only set your business apart, but they are also great guidelines to consider as you begin preparing to sell your business. 1. Strong financial history A business with a strong financial history is highly sought after. When you have an organized financial book and the ability to share your progress and profits to potential buyers, they are more likely to trust you and make an ...

Transworld Business Advisors is pleased to name United Franchise Group President, 'JT' Jim Tatem, as newest franchise partner and owner of Transworld Greenville East

Transworld Business Advisors is pleased to name United Franchise Group President, 'JT' Jim Tatem, as newest franchise partner and owner of Transworld Greenville East

Transworld Business Advisors is pleased to name United Franchise Group President, ‘JT’ Jim Tatem, as newest franchise partner and owner of Transworld Greenville East. Read the full press release here.

Buying a Business: Is an SBA Loan Right for You?

Buying a Business: Is an SBA Loan Right for You?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an agency of the US government that supports entrepreneurs and small businesses. It is the duty of the SBA to “aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns.” A major function of the SBA is partnering with banks, credit unions, and other lenders to provide loans for said entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you are in the process of buying a business but need to determine if an SBA loan is right for you, consider asking yourself these simple questions: 1. Is it a small business? If your business has less than 250 employees, it may ...

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

When in the market for a new business, the search can feel long and tiresome. The moment the right business to purchase comes along, the next step is to make an offer. That being said, when buying a business, few would advise you to offer what a seller is asking. A broker might advise you to counteroffer to get the best possible deal. In order to do so, however, you need to do your research to ensure you are not insulting the seller by aiming too low. In this post, we will explore five negotiation strategies for buying a business. 1. Research the Market First and foremost, it is important ...

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

When in the market for a new business, the search can feel long and tiresome. The moment the right business to purchase comes along, the next step is to make an offer. That being said, when buying a business, few would advise you to offer what a seller is asking. A broker might advise you to counteroffer to get the best possible deal. In order to do so, however, you need to do your research to ensure you are not insulting the seller by aiming too low. In this post, we will explore five negotiation strategies for buying a business. 1. Research the Market First and foremost, it is important ...

Considering Franchising Your Business? Learn How You Can Benefit from Transworld's Franchise Development Program

Considering Franchising Your Business? Learn How You Can Benefit from Transworld's Franchise Development Program

If your business is successful and there are customers who travel from near and far to visit it, then you may have considered franchising. With numerous benefits for you and aspiring entrepreneurs, it is a profitable and healthy next step for your growing business. At Transworld Business Advisors, we not only support your business endeavors but we have a dedicated program to assist you. The Franchise Development Program includes everything from pre-prepared franchise documents, Uniform Franchise Disclosure Document (UFDD) to a Franchise Agreement. The program assists you in every aspect from creating a complete set of operations manuals to helping you design a franchise website exclusively for your business. Understanding ...

Selling a Business in 2019: Three Important Things to Keep in Mind

Selling a Business in 2019: Three Important Things to Keep in Mind

“Selling a Business in 2019: Three Important Things to Keep in Mind”, written by BizBuySell president Bob House – featuring a Transworld mention and a quote from Andy Cagnetta. Transworld Business Advisors CEO Andy Cagnetta weighs in on projected 2019 trends in Inc. article “Selling a Business in 2019: Three Important Things to Keep in Mind”, written by BizBuySell president Bob House. Read the full article here. 

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

5 Negotiation Strategies for Buying a Business

When in the market for a new business, the search can feel long and tiresome. The moment the right business to purchase comes along, the next step is to make an offer. That being said, when buying a business, few would advise you to offer what a seller is asking. A broker might advise you to counteroffer to get the best possible deal. In order to do so, however, you need to do your research to ensure you are not insulting the seller by aiming too low. In this post, we will explore five negotiation strategies for buying a business. 1. Research the Market First and foremost, it is important to ...

How to Prepare Your Business for Sale

How to Prepare Your Business for Sale

Nearly 8,000 small businesses were sold in 2016. That means the process of selling is not unfamiliar to many Americans. However, for someone who may be going through this journey for the first time, it may feel daunting and perhaps even impossible. Do not fret – with the guidance of an experienced business broker and some research, you can find yourself on your way to sign on the dotted line. If you are still feeling overwhelmed, consider this concise breakdown of the upcoming steps needed to prepare to sell. Financial Statements The first step, as one might guess, is to organize the finances and financial records for your business. This may include ...

Choosing a Business Broker to Sell Your Business: 7 Questions to Ask

Choosing a Business Broker to Sell Your Business: 7 Questions to Ask

Selling your business is an important step in your career - almost as important as beginning it. Knowing how and whom to sell your business to is not a process to be taken lightly. Similarly, being in the market for a new business can be tedious. In fact, almost every article you will find online both buyer and seller will argue for hiring a broker because it is a lot to figure out on your own. The support from a broker means the buying or selling process is less daunting and does not interfere with the running of your business. Experienced, eager to help, and with a network of businesses ...

Own a Business? Have you Prepared Your Exit Strategy?

Own a Business? Have you Prepared Your Exit Strategy?

According to Investopedia, an exit strategy is defined as “[...] an entrepreneur's strategic plan to sell his or her ownership in a company to investors or another company.” An exit strategy gives a business owner the capacity to reduce his/her stake in the business. If a business is successful, the business can make a substantial profit, but if the business is not highly successful, an exit strategy allows a business owner to limit their losses.  Either scenario, an exit strategy is important. As one might imagine, there are a number of different exit strategies to consider, below are the most common: Initial public offerings (IPO) Strategic ...

Should You Franchise Your Business?

Should You Franchise Your Business?

When a local business begins seeing success in not only its location, and niche market, but beyond that, it may consider opening a second shop nearby or perhaps even in the next town over. When the success continues to grow and word of mouth has reached further distances, a franchise is often the most natural and appropriate next step. A franchise is a business that has multiple locations that are independently owned and operated. Encompassing any industry, market and need, any business can become a franchise. There are a number of benefits to franchising your business - benefits that go beyond financial and personal. Your franchise will open up entrepreneurial ...

What is Your Business Worth?

What is Your Business Worth?

In order to determine the worth of a business, there are multiple factors to consider. It goes beyond how much money is made on an annual  basis; in fact, all aspects of its past, present, and future are considered. It can seem daunting to try to calculate this on your own. For this reason, a proper business valuation must be conducted. This is the first step you will need to take when working toward selling your business. The initial step for a business valuation is considering future performance. This may sound strange, but the truth is, a business’s value is dependent on projection and not past performance. ...

How You Will Benefit from a Business Broker Selling Your Business

How You Will Benefit from a Business Broker Selling Your Business

Reaching the decision to sell your business is an important one. However, the next big decision is whether to sell it on your own, or with the help of a broker. With many steps and details to consider, there are numerous advantages to having a broker to mediate, guide and close the deal.  1. Valuing your business The moment you have decided to sell your business, you have to begin to put your finances in order. Once the checkbook is balanced and your income statement is complete, it is time to determine the value of your business. A broker has the skills and knowledge to find a fair asking ...

Breaking a Sale to Your Staff

Breaking a Sale to Your Staff

Selling your business can itself be a daunting prospect, and that’s even before you have to think about how and when to tell your staff, and how they will react.   Change can be unsettling, but if the process of delivering the announcement is properly prepared, it doesn't have to be a negative event.   So, here are some tips on how to handle the situation when you break the news of the sale to your people.   Preparing the ground   Most experts will advise against letting your staff know about the sale until all the details have been finalized. This is for several reasons:   ...

8 Benefits of Purchasing a Franchise

8 Benefits of Purchasing a Franchise

A franchise is easily defined as a local storefront of a nation-or state-wide business. This means that as a franchisee, a person owns one of potentially many neighborhood versions of a larger corporation (i.e., McDonald’s, Applebee’s and Signarama). Although there is someone who represents the head of the company in a corporate context, a franchisee owns their business. Once the initial fees are paid and the training has been completed, a franchisee enters a network of 40,000 locations, 75 industries, and 10 million workers, according to the International Franchise Association. Because a franchise is a small business with a pre-established network of customers, suppliers, and investors, there is ...

Business Transaction Timeline: The Process of Buying and Selling

Business Transaction Timeline: The Process of Buying and Selling

Whether you are buying or selling a business, there are several actions that are required from both parties. From establishing the price and starting negotiations to reaching an agreement and writing a check, business transactions have a specific timeline. With reputable expertise to advise buyers and sellers, experienced brokers have perfected the buyer/seller timeline. Here are some easy-to-follow guidelines. The Purchasing Timeline As the buyer, you enter the process in what could feel like the middle for a seller. They have already taken a number of measures to prepare a business for sale. Once the asking price is set and the listing is live, the buyer enters the picture. ...

Transworld Business Advisors Celebrates Impressive Midyear Growth and Global Expansion

Transworld Business Advisors Celebrates Impressive Midyear Growth and Global Expansion

Transworld Business Advisors is pleased to announce successful midyear growth. In addition to last year’s 70 new territories, so far in the first half of the year, Transworld has sold 41 territories, including global expansion into New Zealand, Jordan and France. New US Transworld markets include Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi and Washington, D.C.. "We continue to improve upon the Transworld model, and our growth successes reflect positive reception to those changes," said Bill Luce, President of Transworld. "Last year alone, in addition to the new Transworld territories, we also implemented an enhanced, proprietary CRM system, which will strengthen and deepen our relationships with our customers, ensuring we're ...

7 Red Flags That Could Be Opportunities When Buying a Business

7 Red Flags That Could Be Opportunities When Buying a Business

Buying a business is not a decision you have come to lightly. In fact, the decision to purchase a business is only the beginning of the process. Before signing on any dotted lines, a savvy entrepreneur must do their research. When doing this research, you need to be mindful of certain red flags. However, when researching businesses to purchase keep in mind that some red flags you may see in businesses for sale can be turned into opportunities for success. Below are 7 red flags that could be opportunities when buying a business: 1. Owner’s Discretionary Income The owner’s discretionary income is the amount of revenue the owner ...

Everything You Need to Know About Franchising

Everything You Need to Know About Franchising

Franchising in the United States is very popular and lucrative. There are about 800,000 franchise businesses in 120+ industries employing more than 9 million people in the US alone. Franchises provide recognized brand quality and consistency while also allowing consumers to support local business owners. Deciding to franchise your business should come from a desire to expand to multiple locations and welcome fresh new ideas from franchisees. Transworld Business Advisors has the tools to help all business owners determine if franchising is right for them and where to begin. Before franchising, here are some things you need to know: Is Franchising Right for You? Is your business highly successful in your local neighborhood? ...

How to Sell Your Business to a Competitor

How to Sell Your Business to a Competitor

Whether you are looking to retire or pursue business opportunities in a different industry, you may have reached the important decision to sell your business. However, it is very possible that the highest bidder and best buyer is a competitor. When this is the case, Transworld Business Advisors has a few tips for best practices. 1. Ask for a Non-Disclosure Agreement During a sale, a competitor could gain access to secrets and confidential information. With a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) they cannot use your trade secrets to grow their business should the sale fall through. 2. Get a Deal Signed before Due Diligence Once negotiations have begun, an accepted offer ensures the buyer ...

5 Signs it’s Time to Sell Your Business

5 Signs it’s Time to Sell Your Business

Your business may have been your dream come true. You had a good run, but now you feel more anxious than happy every time you think about it. This might mean it is time to sell your business. The decision to sell will not come easily –– and that is understandable. It is important to accept that selling your business is not a sign of failure, but rather comprehension of your current state, the state of your business and the potentiality of new endeavors that can revamp your creativity. Below you will find five signs it’s time to sell your business. 1. You are a stressed out, anxious ...

Steps for Buying a Business

Steps for Buying a Business

Buying an existing business is often less risky than starting from scratch. The main reason being that the business has already established a customer base, a marketing strategy, employees and cash flow. That being said, the idea of buying a business may seem daunting. Do not let that stop you! There are some clear, and easy steps to follow that can bring you some ease and peace of mind. To be treated more like a guideline than an actual checklist, here are three steps Transworld recommends taking initially on the road to buying your next business. Pick the right business for you Before embarking on the journey to new business ...

What is a Millennial’s Dream Business?

What is a Millennial’s Dream Business?

  Millennials have been given a bad rap over their participation in the job market. Now that this generation are in their 20s and 30s we know what they really want from their careers. They care about social responsibility and they prioritize results over time worked but, most importantly, this is the generation of the ‘side hustle’. Millennials want to start their own business and be in control of their fate, but this is expensive and very risky. The answer? Starting businesses while still getting a pay check so that there is some wriggle room. This doesn’t mean that their full-time jobs are suffering. Millennials are ...

Competitive Advantage: Using Your Company's Unique Attributes for Selling

Competitive Advantage: Using Your Company's Unique Attributes for Selling

There are certain intangible assets that have no monetary value if you try to sell them by themselves, but their worth is essential to the market value of a business. In fact, it is assets like these that give your business a competitive advantage over others in your industry. What makes your business different, unique, and special? These are all questions to consider when deciding to sell your business in a sea of endless competition because you will want to stand out more than ever when your company is for sale. Brand Loyalty and Other Intangibles Customer loyalty is a big competitive advantage because those same customers will continue to ...

The Right Business Broker For You: A Checklist

The Right Business Broker For You: A Checklist

Choosing to sell your business is a big decision but it does not end there. In order to market the sale, find the right buyer and close with ease, you will want to make sure you have done everything possible to expedite the process. With so many important elements to consider, choosing the right business broker is arguably the next most important decision you will make. But how do you know which business broker to partner with? Five Important Broker Qualities Business brokers should have certain qualities and experience that will make them the right broker to sell your business to the best buyer. 1. Business Brokerage Industry Knowledge First and ...

Selling Your Business: Knowing Your Confidentiality Agreement

Selling Your Business: Knowing Your Confidentiality Agreement

When you are negotiating the sale of your business, you do not want anyone other than the buyer to know the details of the deal. In order to avoid information leaking out, it is vital to ensure business sale confidentiality. According to Andrew Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld, “Seller AND buyers want to keep a sale confidential to make sure customers, vendors and employees do not know prior to sale.” A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will save you the headache of having any proprietary information leaked and getting into the wrong hands. What does a confidentiality agreement entail? A confidentiality agreement is a contract that requires two parties to keep ...

The Top 5 Reasons People Sell Their Business

The Top 5 Reasons People Sell Their Business

The fundamental reason a business owner makes the decision to sell a business may not necessarily be for financial reasons, but to free up resources, focus on other priorities or make time for other opportunities.   In this article, we review why owners might decide to sell a business, along with some steps to consider when preparing for the sale. 1. Retirement After years of investing time, energy and resources you could well be ready for a rest or retirement. Before realizing the sale value however, you should consider planning for continuity, for yourself as well as for the business. Depending on the nature and timing of the planned deal, preparations ...

You've Bought a Business, Now What?

You've Bought a Business, Now What?

Starting your own business can be risky and take years before turning a profit. Generally speaking, buying a business that is already successful, established and profitable at a reasonable price has its advantages. On top of immediate cash flow and avoiding the difficult start-up work, buying a business means you are also buying the existing clients, employees and vendors and have pre-existing goodwill on your side. Transitional Period You are the new boss and your employees are likely to understand the business at an intimate level. During this transitional period, it is important to meet with those in managerial and supervisory positions to explain the day-to-day practices. Developing a relationship ...

When and How to Tell Your Employees and Clients You're Selling Your Business

When and How to Tell Your Employees and Clients You're Selling Your Business

The decision to sell your business is a big one; it is an important decision likely to affect the lives of many.  As a result, it is crucial to keep the sale and all negotiations for the sale of your company as confidential as possible. Likely to affect your clients, employees, vendors, and competitors, it is best to ensure any positive, or potentially negative, reactions do not affect the final sale of your hard work. It is best to wait until the end of the negotiation process to tell all interested parties. Although communication is a critical element of operating a successful business, there will be times when you ...

Buying a Business: Advice to Guarantee a Smooth Purchase

Buying a Business: Advice to Guarantee a Smooth Purchase

When you think you have found the right business to buy, the process will begin to get interesting as the excitement kicks in. Because this process can vary slightly for each purchase, it is important to be organized and methodical. You will want to thoroughly investigate all aspects of a business for sale and make certain that the owner’s representations to you about the business are accurate. If there is financing involved in your purchase of a business, your application must be approved by the lender, proving that you are qualified for repayment of the loan. You will also need to take a close look at the&...

Why You Shouldn't Sell Your Own Business

Why You Shouldn't Sell Your Own Business

As a successful business owner, you have likely spent years developing the skills and expertise to run your company well. Therefore, when the time comes to sell your business, it’s easy to understand why it is best to work with professionals who have spent years perfecting their expertise in selling successful businesses like yours. Rely on the Experts Business owners who try to sell their own businesses often meet with many pitfalls. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that they don’t have the time to both run their business and go through all of the steps necessary in the selling process to execute the sale ...

Industries to Watch In 2018

Industries to Watch In 2018

You know what they say: New year, new you. If 2018 is the year you want to pursue your business dreams, look no further than Transworld Business Advisors to help those dreams come true. With years of experience in the franchise industry, Transworld’s professional business advisors have the industry insights and continually build upon their experiences to identify the latest trends. There are a wide variety of options to consider and you may not be sure where to start. Finding the right fit for you requires some research. Read on to see if any of these industries to watch in 2018 could be right for you. Fitness January is a ...

Expanding as a Chain or Franchise: What You Need to Know

Expanding as a Chain or Franchise: What You Need to Know

Your business is a success so now you are considering expansion. You want to build on your existing strengths and reap the benefits of your hard work. But should you franchise your blueprint for others to follow, or clone your existing business in new locations? Answering that question correctly is the most critical decision you will make. So, here’s a rundown of what you should to take into account, and what you need to understand. What is a chain? A business chain is defined as a group of stores trading under the same name, retailing the same range of branded products, and guided by the same corporate management ...

Buying a Franchise Resale: What You Need to Know

Buying a Franchise Resale: What You Need to Know

New year, new you? Resolutions, set. Vision board, done. If your new year’s goals have you wanting to be your own boss, you may be torn between starting your own business or investing in a startup. But setting up a business from scratch and starting with a new concept or idea can involve significant risks. Instead, you may want to consider purchasing an existing franchise resale; this can provide you the benefit of business ownership without the risk of starting up or opening your own company. Why should I buy a franchise resale? There are many benefits in purchasing an already existing franchise, also known as a franchise ...