Transferring ownership of a company is a complex process. Among the various challenges that must be overcome include determining a fair valuation, making sure the company’s finances and accounting records are in order, negotiating a price, going through escrow and closing the sale.
Business brokers not only manage these steps but also ensure confidentiality by requiring interested buyers to agree not to disclose the details of the potential business sale. Business brokers, which may work independently or as part of a larger brokerage firm, can also help with licensing and permitting requirements and weed out unqualified suitors.
Those wishing to buy or sell a company can locate business brokers through attorneys, accountants, and professional associations, such as the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA).