Number 10: Industry Outlook

If the outlook for the industry is bright, the price goes up. Buyers look hard at the outlook for a company's gross margins, future growth projections, international economic factors, etc.

Number 9: Depth of Management and of the Sales Team

If an owner wears all of the hats, including generating most of the sales, the price will go down. A strong and experienced management team to operate the business is key value driver.

Number 8: Customer Base

If a company has limited customer concentration with no single customer representing more that 5-10% of revenues the price goes up. If the customer base is made up of “blue chip” companies, the price goes up too.

Number 7: A Good Story to Tell

Telling a company's story is critical in helping the buyer recognize the full value of a business. When this in-depth marketing “package” of the business is combined with many years of merger and acquisition experience on the part of the broker/intermediary, the price of the business definitely goes up. A quality business broker/intermediary will prepare an extensive confidential offering memorandum that describes the business operation, the marketing and sales programs, its organizational structure, its facilities and equipment, its financial performance, and provides a financial analysis including a believable 5 year financial forecast.

Number 6: Stage of Industry Consolidation

If a company's industry is experiencing consolidating with the big companies getting bigger through acquisition, prices for smaller companies will rise.

Number 5: Company Track Record

If a company can show a track record of consistently growing profits and sales, buyers will pay more.

Number 4: Type of Business

A manufacturing company with a proprietary product will sell for more than a job-shop manufacturer. A distributor that adds value by offering installation, repair, and/or engineering/design will sell for more money than a non-value-added distributor. A service company with a special expertise will sell for more than a similar service company without this expertise.

Number 3: Revenue Size

The larger a company's revenues, generally the higher the price. A business with $25 million of annual sales will sell for more than a company with $5 million in sales.

Number 2: Market Position

A company that dominates its market or has a unique niche in the market will sell for a premium over other companies that do not dominate their markets.

And now, the single most important factor influencing the price of the business, clearly is…

Number 1: Having Multiple Buyers!

When there are multiple buyers bidding on a business, the price of the business will exceed the price paid for a business that is sold without competitive bids. We see the price escalation caused by multiple bidders all the time. It does not matter whether the business is priced at $4 million, $8 million, or $150 million; the key to maximizing value is creating a selling environment where competitive market forces work for a company rather than against it.