Author: Owen Murray

When we began this series, we started with one of the most common questions business owners ask: What is my business worth? It is an important question, but after exploring the factors that influence value, many owners come to realize there may be an even more important question to ask:…

In the previous article, we discussed the difference between Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) and EBITDA, and why the same business may be evaluated differently depending on the type of Buyer involved. Once the earnings base is determined, the next step in the valuation process is applying a multiple to those…

In the previous article, we discussed the importance of reviewing and recasting financials to determine the true earning power of a business. Once those adjustments are made and the earnings base becomes clearer, the next question is how those earnings should actually be viewed. This is one of the most…

In the previous article, we discussed how Buyers evaluate a business beyond the numbers themselves. Team structure, customer relationships, operational systems, and owner dependency all shape how a business is viewed in a sale process. Once those qualitative factors begin to take shape, the focus shifts toward determining what the…

When business owners begin thinking about valuation, the conversation often starts with revenue, profit, or what similar businesses may have sold for. Those numbers are important, but they are only part of the picture. Before a Buyer ever applies a multiple or determines what they may be willing to pay,…

It’s one of the first questions most business owners ask when they start thinking about selling. What is my business worth? It sounds like a simple question, and most owners expect there to be a relatively straightforward answer. In practice, it rarely works that way, and anyone searching for how…

Seller notes are one of the most common components of business sale transactions. In simple terms, a seller note is a portion of the purchase price that the Seller agrees to finance. The Seller receives payments over time according to agreed-upon terms. Seller notes can be a great tool for…

Many business owners assume that if their company is performing well, it will naturally be attractive to Buyers. Strong earnings, loyal customers, and a solid reputation should translate into a smooth process and a strong outcome. In practice, the way a business performs for its owner and the way it…