Selling Your Business For Dummies - Softcover

Get your business into sale-ready shape and conduct a successful, profitable negotiation

Want to sell your business? This hands-on guide gives you expert tips on every step of the process, from establishing a realistic value and putting your business on the market to finding qualified buyers and closing the deal. You'll see how to get the highest possible price and successfully transition your business to the new owner.

• Get ready to close up shop — determine your readiness to sell, explore your sale options, and assemble a team of pros to help

• Package your business for a sale — compile financial records, update your business and marketing plans, and prepare your sale memorandum

• Navigate the sale process — launch your advertising strategy, screen prospective buyers, negotiate offers, and make counter-offers

• Do your homework, or due diligence — prepare all paperwork, assess your buyer's finances and reputation, structure the financial and tax issues, and protect your personal interests

• Shake hands and pass the baton — make closing arrangements, understand key closing forms, announce the sale, and support the new owner

Open the book and find:

• Tips for pricing and presenting your business

• Advice for targeting and evaluating potential buyers

• Ways to craft a powerful sales pitch

• Keys for improving your business prior to sale

• Approaches for financing your sale

• Ten deal-killers to avoid

• Business marketplace trends and truths

Barbara Findlay Schenck is the author of four For Dummies books, including Business Plans Kit For Dummies, 2nd Edition and Branding For Dummies. The founder of an advertising agency, Barbara has spent more than two decades helping businesses start, grow, market, and brand their companies. John Davies, CEO of Sunbelt, contributed expert advice for this book.