Buying a company is a demanding, complex process requiring a wide range of skills and abilities. If you understand this process thoroughly, then you are far more likely to make the right purchase decision. Whether you are buying the corner ice cream parlor or a $100-million business, following certain steps will enhance your chances of successfully operating a profitable venture once the deal is closed.
Psarouthakis founded and built J.P. Industries into a Fortune 500 company by acquiring underperforming auto parts and plumbing products manufacturers, selling the company to a British conglomerate, T&N Plc. Next, he founded JPE Inc., which manufactured and distributed auto and truck parts for OEM and the aftermarket. Although Psarouthakis’s experience draws heavily on the manufacture and distribution of durable goods sectors, many aspects of the process are the same, regardless of the industry. Interviews conducted by coauthor Lorraine (Hendrickson) Uhlaner with entrepreneurs involved in acquisitions for the retailing, service, and construction sectors and other published information about the acquisitions process also influence the content of this book.
The Buying Infrastructure
It is estimated by various sources that tens of thousands of businesses change ownership every year. For an updated estimate of this high-volume activity, contact the International Business Brokers Association. To support the very high number of transactions, a rather broad and complex infrastructure exists for finding and promoting deals. Few businesses up for sale are advertised in published sources. Relying upon this infrastructure is likely to provide you with a larger number of high-quality leads to choose from and with less effort than trying to find them on your own. To be taken seriously within the business-investment community, you typically must demonstrate an understanding of the deal-making process, even if you hire consultants to assist you in the search. Continue reading HOW TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT BUSINESS-An Introduction