The Confidential Business Review

By R. Carter Freeman, President, Janas Associates.
Reprinted from Janas Consulting Business Advisory Notes,
January-June 1998, Vol. 3, Number 1
 

I have worked independently and through Janas Consulting with numerous clients over the years in the negotiation of mergers and acquisitions. Those efforts maximize price and minimize interruption of operations.

We are frequently engaged to prepare a Confidential Business Review, the Book, to present the sale opportunity. The Book describes the company which is for sale. Information provided includes the company and its operations in financial terms and descriptive text. History, current condition, and proforma future results are included.

The Book has several purposes:

• Shortcut the buyer's understanding of the company

• Provide immediate information on the Company to determine if there is serious acquisition interest.

• Preliminary due diligence information.

• Enhance the value of the company by describing the positives of the business.

Working with business brokers and investment bankers, we bring value-added through our extensive experience. We often refer legal counsel and CPA firms who specialize in mergers and acquisitions and often arrange purchaser financing.

Discussions are held on a continuing basis with potential purchasers. An auction may be conducted, after which the owners of the Company can retain the opportunity to negotiate sale details.

We seek business owners who wish to sell their businesses and maximize the price received. Current economic conditions dictate a Seller's market. For any owner who has considered sale of a viable business, now is an excellent time to sell and maximize proceeds.

Several recent articles which appeared in various newspapers and business journals have stated, "There is too much money chasing too few good deals."

A Confidential Business Review acts to separate serious buyers from others. The sale process is more efficient and a well prepared Book tends to enhance perceived value of the business and often results in a higher price.

As a Broker, we represent either buyers or sellers. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable financial result for our clients.

Mr. Freeman is licensed by the State of California and provides merger and acquisition services to clients.