The decision to and objective of selling your business is often very confusing. There are many reasons for considering these both on a personal and business level. In the end, it does not really matter what your objective is for pursuing this effort as long as your goals are realistic and your expectations are clear.

The first step in selling a business, as in most steps Paine Pacific will undertake, is to have a clear understanding of the objectives of our client and to be able to validate their expectations. The sale of a business is often over-romanticized, leaving the seller disappointed and disillusioned as to the ultimate goal. Only through validation and confirmation can this risk be avoided. With this assurance, a logical and dynamic process will take place with the ultimate goal of a closing transaction.

These steps include:

• Understanding and validation of the businesses objectives
• Confirmation that the business can support and will ultimately gain from the transaction
• Understanding of integration
• Creation of a clear strategy as to how and when the transaction will occur
• Market research to support the effort
• Research and diligence toward the target company(s) - create related strategies
• Presentation of a well considered offering
• Negotiation and closing of transaction

Depending on the year, statistics show that somewhere around 60% of all M&A transactions fail. This is not a result of closing deals; it is a result of closing the wrong deals. With awareness of this and a clear and reviewed process, clients can end up in the 40% category, meeting personal and business objectives.