How to Buy a Business
Buying a business that is already up and running is, if you have the financial wherewithal to do it, a great way to expand your existing business, or if you are looking for a quick route into the business world, it can be a short-cut worth taking.
It is not however without effort or risk, and the purchasing of a going concern should only be undertaken after much due diligence and sensible forethought. Before jumping in with both feet it is wise to stop and consider whether business acquisition is actually the right route for you.
- Take advice. It probably goes without saying that major financial actions such as buying a company should not be undertaken without the advice of an accountant; if you already have one he will be in the best position to know how the acquisition will affect your business. If you are just entering the business world, do your homework before choosing; some accountants specialise in business acquisition so look for someone who can offer the best help.
- Cost it out. Although a fast track into business, acquisition is often a more costly route; do remember that you are paying for all of the hard work of those who established the business, as well as the firm's brand, reputation and customer base. It is however very easy for those selling to you to price their hard work too highly, so get your accountant to take a calculated, unsentimental look and things and to value the business appropriately.
- Check the rep. The reputation, brand and client base that attaches a higher price tag to an existing business also has a possible dark side to it; accountants often talk about 'goodwill' when discussing business acquisition, by which they mean the intangible and yet potentially very valuable good reputation that a business may have built up over its time trading. While it is true that positive brand image is a valuable asset, it is worth remembering that any negative associations with the existing business or brand could be extremely hard to shake.
- Ask the question. Don't make assumptions about why a business is being sold; ask. The business may have hidden difficulties or financial problems that are not immediately apparent.
- Inspect the figures. All businesses will have forecasts as well as a trading history for you to view; look at profit trendsand projections as well asthe business operations, sales, costs and assets. It is vital that your accountants perform due diligence before you commit.
- Prepare to adapt. You will of course be stepping into someone else's shoes if you opt to buy a going concern, so do remember that as well as an existing customer base there will probably also be staff already in place, both existing customers and staff will be used to things a certain way and you may be forced to fit in with them rather than do things completely as you'd like; there are also legalities to consider, so read up on regulations such as TUPE before making any decisions.
Taking on someone else's established firm is not the short-cut it may at first seem, it is a good way to add to your empire or jump start your business life, but it is not without its own special set of hurdles and trials. The best way to ensure that it works as an option for you is to be as well prepared as possible.