CBI Welcomes New Associate!

Reid L. Williams has joined the Burlington office of CBI. CBI is New England's largest privately held business brokerage firm with locations in New England, New York and Atlantic Canada and specializes in the sale of privately held businesses. Mr. Williams will be working in Northern Vermont and concentrating his efforts in Lamoille, Washington and Orange County.

Reid holds an engineering degree from Lafayette College. Having successfully founded, managed and sold a $20 million dollar business, Reid brings to CBI a wealth of business and entrepreneurial experience. He is currently residing in Stowe, Vermont with his wife.

How Does Your Company Rate?

Valuing a business involves, not only numbers, but also very importnant subjective factors. Here are some importnant subjective factors to consider. How does your company rate?

• Stable market
• Stability of earnings historically
• Cost savings after purchase
• No significant capital expenditures required
• No significant competitive threats
• No significant alternative technologies
• Large market potential
• Reasonable market position
• Broad-based distribution channels
• Sound management willing to remain
• Product diversity
• Wide customer base
• Non-dependency on few suppliers

Successful Fire Alarm and Security Company

The following is from John Stimets, CBI VP

CBI, New England's leading business brokerage firm, is looking for a person, family or corporation interested in a well established,  profitable and successful fire alarm and security company. This company has 50% of its revenues from repeat and ongoing business. Another 40% of its revenues come form the established customer base who require upgrades, replacements and ongoing service. There are a minimal number of employees, most with 15 years tenure. The cash flow exceeds $250,000 annually and provides excellent returns on investment. There is plenty of opportunities for expansion. This may be one of the best businesses I have worked on as a business broker. This and other great Vermont businesses for sale are available through Country Business, Inc. (CBI), a business brokerage firm that sells successful businesses to qualified buyers.

The following is from John Stimets,VP 

CBI, New England's leading business brokerage firm, is looking for a person, family or corporation interested in a terrific Vermont business. This well established company is an outsource manufacturer that operates under long term and long standing contracts with its customers. There are a minimal number of employees. The manufacturing process is simple and easily learned. The cash flow exceeds $250,000 annually and provides excellent returns on investment. There is plenty of excess capacity for expansion. This may be one of the best businesses I have worked on as a business broker. This and other great Vermont business opportunities are available through Country Business, Inc. (CBI), a business brokerage firm that sells successful businesses to qualified buyers.

VT Computer IT Service & Web Development Business

CBI, New England's leading business brokerage firm, is looking for an entrepreneurial person who is interested in a growing computer IT service & web development business. This person should have basic IT skills so the staff of 9 can be managed properly. This 10 year old service business has a huge amount of repeat business. The income is very attractive and will lead to owning the business outright after five years. It may be very suitable for a semi retired person or a young "techie" who wants to find a way to return or remain in Vermont. This and other great business opportunities are available through Country Business, Inc. a business brokerage firm that sells successful businesses to qualified buyers.

CBI, New England's leading business brokerage firm, is looking for an entrepreneurial person who is interested in a terrific Vermont lifestyle business. This person or family will enjoy owning a great business in a small Vermont community. This retail opportunity will immediately immerse the owner into the community. Superior homestead opportunities are available to live on a pristine Vermont lake or hillside. The income is very attractive and will lead to becoming a millionaire over time. This business, represented by Country Business, Inc. presents a unique opportunity for a family to work together in a proven, successful concept. It may be very suitable for a semi retired person with an adult child who wants to find a way to return or remain in Vermont and make a good living and re-establish family ties between the generations. This and other great Vermont business opportunities are available through Country Business, Inc. (CBI). We sell successful businesses to qualified buyers!

Top Ten Mistakes Made by Sellers

The following is an excerpt from The Privately Held Company Newsletter.

1. Neglecting the day-to-day running of their business since it will sell tomorrow.
2. Starting off with too high a price since the price can always be reduced.
3. Assuming that confidentiality is a given.
4. Failing to plan ahead and sell/deciding to sell impulsively.
5. Expecting that the buyers will only want to see last year's P&L.
6. Negotiating with only one buyer at a time and letting any other potential buyers wait their turn.
7. Having to reduce the price because the sellers want to retire and are not willing to stay with the acquirer for any length of time.
8. Not accepting that the structure of the deal is as important as the price.
9. Trying to win every point of contention.
10. Dragging out the deal and not accepting that time is of the essence.