How to Buy a Business - SmartAsset

An existing business typically has customers, vendors and branding already in place. A good company will also have an adequate amount of inventory. That means you can take the key and continue the business without having to build supplier relationships or a network of steady customers from scratch. Here’s what you need to know.

A financial advisor can provide expert advice on how to buy an existing enterprise.

Buying a Startup

If you’re an existing business owner who wants to expand your services or products, consider buying a startup. You can purchase a startup for its client list, brand, technology or intellectual property.

There are a lot of good reasons why buying a startup might be a good idea for a current business owner:

Buying a startup can help you attract and retain a different demographic without starting from scratch.
The startup might have a distribution method that is a good fit for your own business.
While the profit margin of a startup tends to be lower than an established business, it might also have less debt.
A small startup might be more nimble and able to adapt to change.

If you decide to go this route, take a close look at current staff. Look for businesses who have founders or staff with the type of talent that you are seeking. While you can always poach talent, buying a business could allow you to acquire a team that already works well together and is invested in the mission of their business.

Keep in mind that if you need to finance, startups present their own set of challenges. Obtaining a loan for a startup business can be harder, since it would not have as long a track record as a business that has been operating for a decade. The startup might not even be profitable yet, and you might need to demonstrate a path to profitability or show how it will contribute to your own company’s bottom line.

Purchasing an Existing Business

If an existing company better fits your needs, look for one that has a good reputation, a steady list of customers and low operating expenses. Understand, though, that buying an existing business means doing a lot of due diligence. Here are some things to look out for:

The founder or owner will likely downplay any issues with a landlord or customers. Ask plenty of questions and ask for documentation.
Examine several years of its financial information and focus on how much profit it generated. Also look at its cash flow, debt levels and other expenses such as rent, marketing and advertising.
Determine if the owner plans to stay on or has any children who expect to take over a portion of the business. Hammer out all the details beforehand.
Acquiring an existing business might be more costly, especially if prior investors are involved. Consider whether you are willing to seek additional investors and take on a bank loan.

Above all, make sure you go into things with an understanding of what’s made the business successful. Buying an existing retail shop or restaurant might be easier than starting one from scratch, but remember that if you change the direction or tone of the business, the existing customers may not accept the changes readily. Further, radical changes to the business and its operations could alienate existing employees. Put your own imprint on the business and find ways to improve, but tread carefully.

Buying a Franchise

A franchise is in many ways the ultimate ready-made business. The brand is already established, and your involvement in marketing may be minimal. Certain aspects of its operations may be set in stone. If you take over a restaurant franchise, for instance, everything from the supply chain to the menu will likely be fixed.

Conducting due diligence on these businesses can often be easier, too. They have a longer history, more financials and other investors. If it’s a public company, it will be even easier to find key information on the business and its financials.

There are some decisions to make, however. You must decide if you want to buy a franchise in a new or existing location. Finding the right location will take time, and requires some research to ensure adequate foot traffic. And don’t assume that the branding and marketing will take care of themselves. While large franchises have a recognized brand, some of them are only well-known in certain states or regions of the country. Consider carefully whether this is a business and a brand with staying potential in your area.

One major issue with a franchise is the loss of control. You must adhere to its rules, procedures and other standardize practices. That might be a relief to some would-be owners, but others might chafe at it. Determine if you’re an entrepreneur at heart or merely want to purchase a business which generates a healthy profit.

Disadvantages

Even if a startup or existing business is highly profitable or popular, there are some disadvantages. In most cases, you will have to retain its current employees at least for the short-term. Turning over an entire staff is not a good choice fiscally or operationally. Don’t underestimate the value of institutional knowledge, to say nothing of the impact on morale of mass layoffs.

On the other hand, existing staff might be resistant to any changes you want to make. The employees may also not like new ones that you hire. And any changes that you make toward the pay structure, benefits and other human resources issues could face resistance. Assure your employees that you are going to stay in business and will not make drastic changes. The same is true for its board of directors and its investors.

Problems could also arise with your customers, clients and vendors. They likely have certain expectations of the business: The products it sells, its methods for doing business, and the length of billing cycles.

Decide before you purchase the business whether you want the CEO or founders to stay on to provide a smooth transition or if you want them to resign soon after the deal closes. There is no right or wrong answer to this issue. It depends on your goals for buying the business, as well as your personal preferences.

Before you sign a contract, consult and hire a business broker who can help guide you in the process. This process can take several months or longer and you will likely need the assistance of an auditor and lawyer. You will likely also need to employ the services of an accounting firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions.

Bottom Line

The prospect of starting your own business can be intimidating, which is one reason some people opt to buy an existing business. Getting a turn-key enterprise can mean skipping all the headaches and time entailed in launching a startup. However, there are a number of hurdles that must still be overcome. The upfront costs can be significant and hidden trouble with tax authorities or a landlord should so it’s important to do the due diligence.

Tips for Business Owners

Many business owners choose to work with a financial advisor who specializes in buying a business. If you don’t have a financial advisor yet, finding one doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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