Author Archive
Selling a Business - Get a Letter of Intent Prior to Due Diligence
The purpose of a letter of intent is to define the economic terms and conditions that apply to the pending business sale if the due diligence results in no material differences in the condition of the seller’s business. In simple terms, it means that if I go over your books and records in great detail […]
Sell a Software Company - The Valuation Dilema
One of the most challenging aspects of selling a software company is coming up with a business valuation. Sometimes the valuations provided by the market (translation - a completed transaction) defy all logic. In other industry segments there are some pretty handy rules of thumb for valuation metrics. In one industry it may be 1 […]
Private Equity May Be Your Best Business Exit Strategy
I must admit that I have had a bias against my clients selling their businesses to private equity firms until I discovered that there are some situations where it might be the best exit strategy. Our firm represents business sellers primarily in the information technology and healthcare industries. Because the valuation multiples in these industries […]
How to Increase the Selling Price of Your Company
Two companies that are recognized as among the best at making successful acquisitions are General Electric and Cisco Systems. These companies have been star performers in growing shareholder value. The core principal that runs through almost every acquisition is integration. Over the past 10 years Cisco Systems has acquired 81 companies. […]
Raising Venture Capital - Let’s Be Realistic
I do not mean to discourage you entrepreneurs in your quest to launch the next Big Thing. Many of you look at your path as write a compelling business plan, make a few presentations to the well-known venture firms, get $3 million for 5% of your company pre revenue, and launch. Product development progresses without […]
Ten Reasons to Sell Your Information Technology Company
For the past 20 years you have built your information technology business. Your company has become part of your identity. Even when you are not at work, you are working, thinking, planning. You never stop. If you sell you are leaving behind much more than a job. In this article we will discuss some reasons […]
Private Equity Versus Smart Equity for the Software Company Entrepreneur
If you are an entrepreneur with a small information technology based company looking to take it to the next level, this article should be of particular interest to you. Your natural inclination may be to seek venture capital or private equity to fund your growth. According to Jim Casparie, founder and CEO of the Venture […]
Food and Beverage Industry Private Equity - Consider the Smart Equity Alternative
If you are an entrepreneur with an emerging food or beverage company looking to take it to the next level, this article should be of particular interest to you. Your natural inclination may be to seek venture capital or private equity to fund your growth. According to Jim Casparie, founder and CEO of the Venture […]
Healthcare Private Equity - Consider the Smart Equity Alternative
If you are an entrepreneur with a small healthcare technology company looking to take it to the next level, this article should be of particular interest to you. Your natural inclination may be to seek venture capital or private equity to fund your growth. According to Jim Casparie, founder and CEO of the Venture Alliance, […]
Selling Your Software Company - Ten Mistakes That Destroy Value
Selling your Software Company is the most important transaction you will ever make. Mistakes in this process can greatly erode your transaction proceeds. Do not spend twenty years of your toil and skill building your business like a pro only to exit like an amateur. Below are ten common mistakes to avoid:
1. Selling because of […]
