Blueberry Fields Whole and Organic Natural Foods, the Monadnock Region's premier natural food and vitamin supplement store on Emerald Street in Keene, has been sold to Richard P. (Rick) Reman II.

Blueberry Fields opened in 1995, and the current owner and seller, Matt Everson acquired the business in 1997.  Under Mr. Everson’s guidance, the business developed into a substantial enterprise.   “We recognized the national trend towards healthier lifestyles, and knew that natural foods, vitamins and supplements were an essential component.  Sourcing quality natural foods and leading manufacturers of vitamins and supplements enabled us to mirror national trends of 10% to 20% annual growth in the industry”.   After 15 years in the business, Mr. Everson said, “it has been a great experience and I will miss the customers and staff, but it was time to pursue other interests and spend more time with family and friends.”     

Rebman and his family recognized Blueberry Fields was a significant and vibrant regional business.  Mr. Rebman has been in the food business for nearly thirty years as an owner, a broker, and a distributor.  “This is a continuation of my commitment to the food business, enabling me to concentrate on providing natural products for healthier living. 

Mr. Rebman intends to build Blueberry Fields by listening to its customers and sourcing exactly   what they need and want from the growing natural products industry.  Mr. Rebman will implement two operational improvements: “As soon as we have adequate additional staff, we will extend hours until 7 pm every evening and open Sundays.”

Blueberry Fields has 5,500 sq ft of space and is conveniently located on Emerald Street in Keene.  The store has free parking and easy accessibility to Keene residents as well as those traveling to find the selection of natural living products that have been featured in the store through the years.   

The transaction was managed by Philip Steckler, a principal of Country Business, Inc.  The company has offices throughout New England.  Mr. Steckler’s works out of the company’s Brattleboro, VT office as well as from Moultonborough, NH.

John Stimets has been named Associate of the Year for 2012 with Country Business, Inc. (CBI). Brian Knight, President of CBI has stated that “John’s ability to identify his client’s needs and meet their expectations is exceptional.”

 John Stimets has been the lead intermediary in the Burlington office since 1991. John's expertise in finance, sales, negotiation and management assures his clients of positive results when he is retained to manage the transfer of their business.

CBI is New England’s largest privately held business brokerage firm. The sale of small and mid-sized businesses is the firm’s principal activity. Since 1976 the company has valued or managed the sale of over 1000 businesses with sales prices ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to $10 million. For further information about CBI services visit the website at www.countrybusiness.net

Is It A Good Time To Sell?

Factors to Consider:

The Owner's Main Objectives and Motivation
Operating a small company is demanding work, and eventually the primary interests of an owner can start to shift to activities other than operating their company. Owners who are proactive about planning for their futures will generally have more time to enjoy other activities. An owner’s declining interest or ability in operating their companies can quickly lead to erosion of ownership value and a smaller pool of potential buyers. Lastly, the very low rate of successful ownership transfers across generations suggests that many small companies will perform better under new, independent leadership.

Interest Rates and Taxes
Interest rates remain at historically low levels which is supporting the economy. Income tax rates on capital gains also remain at lower levels. Many expect both interest rates and tax rates to increase in the not-too-distant future in order to raise funds for repayment of the significant national debt. Increased taxes can lead to decreased net proceeds from the sale of a company. Likewise, increased interest rates can make acquisitions more costly to buyers which can suppress pricing since “value” and interest rates work inversely to each other - as rates move higher, value moves lower.

Company Performance and Trends
Economic conditions over the past few years have been difficult on many small companies. Those companies that have continued to operate successfully from a strong foundation demonstrate unique value to buyers.  Identifying a new owner while a company is performing well can produce better results in terms of net proceeds and buyer quality.  Demand for business acquisitions from all sectors—high net worth individuals, corporations, and private equity groups— remains strong. However, as we have seen, the future is uncertain and market conditions can change suddenly and dramatically. Trying to ‘time the market’ is risky when selling a private company just as it is in buying shares of publicly traded stock.

Four months, two offers, full price!

" My wife loved her Smart Cart so much I bought the Company!"



  

• CBI knows every business is unique and needs expert analysis to maximize its value.
• CBI's database of prequalified buyers carefully selected from inquiries to its 10 locations provides sellers with the greatest exposure - often resulting in multiple offers and ALWAYS resulting in the best possible price for their businesses.
• CBI has experience and contacts necessary to negotiate selling terms to meet the financial and tax needs of each seller.

During our 36 year history, CBI has completed sales of thousands of businesses. When you sell your business through CBI, we will work side-by-side with you just as we did with the owners of Muller's Smart Carts- resulting in Muller's Smart Carts being sold to a highly qualified buyer in a short timeframe at a price reflecting its unique value.

 

Time Frame, Inc. a manufacturer of products used for awards and promotional products has been sold to TF Pressworks, Inc. and CBI managed the transaction.

CBI is proud of our track record, bringing successful companies and highly qualified buyers together. In business since 1976, we have managed the sale of more than 1,000 businesses. Our team of professionals are located throughout New England, Upstate New York and Atlantic Canada.