Overview of Services

ASG Services — We Handle the Entire Transaction

When you are selling your business and retain a mergers and acquisitions firm, make sure you understand whose “feet get held to the fire” in terms of performing the work. In some firms, the person who “sells” you on the idea to use a Broker is not always the same person responsible for performing the work. Although we have capable staff who provide invaluable assistance, an ASG principal will have complete responsibility for getting your business transitioned in a timely and professional fashion.

Overview of Mergers and Acquisitions Services

Business Pricing and Free Valuations:
ASG will provide you with a FREE valuation range for your business. (Why is it a “valuation range”? For the simple reason that different buyers have different perceptions of price and different abilities to pay. Any intelligent valuation needs to be expressed as a range.) Should the valuation range be acceptable, we will execute a representation agreement and take the business to market without putting a price on your company. Why create a ceiling? Instead, we allow the market to determine your business’s value by soliciting multiple offers and negotiating the offering prices to maximize the sale price for you, our client.

To make an appointment with one of our business brokers for a free confidential business valuation or to have a discussion about your situation, please call (858) 320-0474 or have an ASG principal contact you.

Discretion :
Discretion and confidentiality are key when marketing your business. When selling your business through ASG, we strongly advise (and assist in ensuring) that your customers, employees and vendors only become aware of the sale of the business the day after the transaction has been successfully completed. See our article, Informing Employees of the Sale of Your Business.

Packaging Your Business for Sale :
At ASG, we take the time and effort to really understand your business – where it has been and where it is going – to create a substantial overview of your business to present to potential buyers. ASG makes certain that the possibilities and attributes of your company are detailed in the Confidential Business Review (approved by you), which is provided to a potential buyer once they have executed a confidentiality agreement.

Locating Qualified Buyers :
We will build a database and marketing program customized to your business. You will have input and final approval of our list of prospects. Depending on the size of the business potential buyers may include individuals and companies, both privately owned or listed on one of the Stock Exchanges, with the financial means to offer the highest price for your business.

Depending upon the industry and the amount of your company’s annual revenues, it might also be appropriate to market your company to Private Equity firms in our database.

Negotiations with Potential Buyers:
ASG has been in business for over 30 years, and our high success rate reflects our negotiation skills. You will benefit significantly as our experience can increase the selling price of your business! Doesn’t it make sense to have an experienced professional working on your behalf?

Handling Multiple Offers:
With ASG’s marketing efforts and buyer databases, it is likely there will be multiple offers on your business. With no set asking price, multiple offers drive up the selling price, which is exactly what ASG is looking to do for you. Once buyers are interested, it takes skill and experience to get offers accurately reduced to writing in a format that covers a wide range of peripheral details. This means that initial agreements don’t turn into arguments when forgotten details have to be formalized later in the creation of legal documents.

The Importance of Due Diligence:
ASG helps Sellers understand the process of due diligence is as much for their benefit as it is the Buyer’s. A thorough due diligence process is the first line of defense should problems arise after the business has been transitioned. Comprehensive due diligence materials are provided in writing to the Buyer and typically form part of the legal agreements as an Exhibit.

See our article The Importance of Due Diligence to Sellers

Lenders and Financing:
You want to sell your business, but you must be sure the buyer can pay you for it and close the transaction. As a result, buyers typically need financing. At ASG we do not represent buyers, but we do work very hard to assist them to secure financing, enabling our clients to be cashed out. Acquisition Services Group’s active involvement in the industry means we know which lenders are still lending in this challenging credit environment.

Legal Documents and Taxes:
While ASG is not licensed to provide legal documentation or advice on taxes or legal issues, we certainly provide guidelines that will help you understand the process and what you need to do to protect yourself. We will work closely with your legal and accounting advisers to ensure the best possible transaction for you.

These are just some of the value-added services that ASG is able to offer to our clients. If you would like more information on how we can help you sell your business, or to receive a FREE business valuation, contact one of our business brokers today.