The procedure of business acquisition enables an individual to be an owner not only of the business he started with, but also of any future businesses he may establish. But that does not mean it’s always simple. Buying an already existing company is complicated, and there are many subtle measures to take in order to make the giant leap towards business ownership. As with any major investment decision, it is important to keep a few things in mind as you begin the process. Doing so will ensure you make a solid financial decision that will be most beneficial to you and your future.
When you are looking at buying a business, it is important to understand how the purchase will affect the current owner. Most business transactions are either cash ones or lease options; therefore, it is necessary to understand the implications of each transaction on the owner. Consider for a moment how your purchase will change your financial statements. For example, if you take over a grocery store, your gross sales will likely increase as the company grows. Your net sales will also likely grow because you will be able to deduct your expenses related to the new business as a business owner on your personal tax returns.
Another consideration should be whether or not there is capital required to buy the shares of stock used to create the new business. Most investors require at least 50% of the company’s stock to buy shares in another corporation. Additionally, some investors require complete repayment of the loan used to purchase the company s shares. These factors can be significant when purchasing a business. So, unless you are confident that you have the means to pay off the loan, it may be best to seek advice from an experienced business owner who can assist you in determining the capital requirements to meet before buying a share of ownership.
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of buying a business comes after the purchase is made and the new business is up and running. Most small business owners face significant challenges as their business grows and the competition increases. In addition to the obvious costs of office space and supplies, small business owners must also compete with larger companies that can most likely afford more expensive advertising. In addition to these additional expenses, most new businesses have no real way to collect payments from customers until they are profitable enough to do so.
Because of the extra effort involved in purchasing a business, many small business owners prefer to work with an experienced attorney or business broker who can help them navigate this difficult process. Because business purchases are a complex matter and require due diligence, it is important for a small business owner to work closely with an attorney or broker. The attorney or broker will perform a number of tasks to ensure due diligence; among these tasks is locating the appropriate lender and obtaining information about the local market to ensure the business purchase is supported by current or potential benefits.
When buying a business, small business owners must remember that a loan officer will walk them through the purchase process, answer questions, discuss the terms of the sale and sign documents they will need to the closing. Because the sale of an SBA loan is a complex matter involving many details, a loan officer can offer important guidance to buyers. It is important to ask lots of questions when considering a purchase of a small business loan. Because a small business owner has spent time and resources to successfully secure an SBA loan, he or she should be comfortable with the answers they receive from loan officers and be willing to trust the answers offered. After all, trusting one’s bank is paramount to building long term financial security.
