Ripe: Harvesting the Value of Your Business

In this handy primer to preparing a business for market, investment banker Douglas cautions against too much caution: ""Take charge and sell while you, your company and your employees can still survive!"" Managing director of a successful middle-market investment banking firm, Douglas finds entirely too many owners waiting for a mythical market upturn while ignoring a snake-pit of obstacles. As such, she explains how business owners can approach a sale fully informed and ready to work, including figuring out the best buyers with exhaustive investigation, convincing an accountant to help in a sale that may end his job, and doing away with company attorneys who aren't experts in the buy/sell process. Negotiation is covered from start (who names a first price?) to finish, with an emphasis on understanding sensitive maneuvering and rhetoric (rather than counting entirely on a hired gun). Douglas's comprehensive format, including glossary, checklists, and a sample stock purchase agreement, make this a valuable tool for anyone contemplating selling and buying a middle-market organization.