When purchasing an established business, it is important to evaluate “all of the things” that pertain to the business. This includes not only the financial details of the business to determine both the valuation and what your return on investment might be, but what risks may be associated with purchasing the business. You may also need to look at key staff members, contracts, and referral sources, among other things. So, what is this process called? Due Diligence. Essentially, think of due diligence as everything you will consider prior to signing a binding contract to purchase a business.

Generally speaking, when an investor wishes to acquire a business from its holders, the parties will agree on terms in the form of a purchase and sale agreement. The agreement will outline, among other things, the assets being transferred in an asset sale or the stock/membership interest being transferred if the investor is taking the business “turnkey.” In this way, the question of who owns the enterprise, and its assets, after the transaction has closed should be indisputable. 

Starting a business is exciting. Running a business is rewarding. But what about exiting a business? While business owners have a deep knowledge of their business and often reap huge rewards, both on a personal and financial level, most owners do not know what to do when they are ready to retire and/or sell the business. Even more, they do not know what their business is worth. To give you an idea of where to start, let's take a look at one of the most valuable tools at your disposal - your company’s EBITDA. 

If you are in the process of selling or acquiring a small company, you have probably come across the term “Seller's Discretionary Earnings” or SDE. In essence, SDE is the foundation of business valuation for small businesses. It is a crucial concept that enables savvy buyers to gain a deeper understanding of a business’s story.  

If you have an accounting business for sale, you are likely concerned about how the sale will proceed and if the sale will ultimately be successful.

The good news is that there are many resources available to ensure the sale is a success and to make the entire process much easier for you. Below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind if you have a CPA practice for sale.