Orange County Business Broker Update

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Latest statistics on business sales from a leading business for sale website, Bizbuysell, reveal some interesting information which we have summarized below.

 

  1.  Business sales are slowing down
  2. Small businesses continue to show good financial performance overall but Pacific region showed lower financials
  3. Retail industry showed the biggest drop in sales activity
  4. Manufacturing sector produced the most activity.

My opinion is that the market is changing or about to change over the next quarter or so.  The change is from a seller’s market to either a neutral market or a buyer’s market.  More and more businesses will become available as we see the baby boomers decide it is time to retire.

 

Business for Sale Market is Changing For Orange County Business Brokers

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A recent survey by one of the leading websites which list businesses for sale reveal some surprising results.  According to the results of this survey, owners of small businesses across the country including Southern California, Orange County and Los Angles believe today’s market is a great opportunity to sell their business.  This is evidence by the actual number of listings which reached a six year high.  The reason for this increase expectation of selling their business is two fold.  1.  The increase financial performance of their business and 2.  Sellers are seeing an increase in buyers over the previous year.  On the other side of the issue, the buyers in this survey are less optimistic.  A significant percentage of respondents indicated they thought they should have purchased a business last year versus this year.  From Empire Business Solutions perspective, we are seeing more sellers interested in exiting but their expectations are very high for achieving their expected valuations.

Empire Business Solutions has been a leading Southern California Business Broker and M&A Specialist since 2005 concentrating on but not limited to  Orange County and Los Angeles County .  Empire specializes in representing sellers in Southern California who want to maximize the value of their business and are motivated to sell.

EMPIRE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Receives 2015 Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award

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Huntington Beach Award Program Honors the Achievement

Huntington Beach, August 06, 2015 — EMPIRE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS has been selected for the 2015 Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award in the Business Brokers category by the Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program.

Each year, the Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Huntington Beach area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About the Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program

The Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Huntington Beach area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program
CONTACT:
Best Businesses of Huntington Beach Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@BestBusinesses.biz
URL: http://www.BestBusinesses.biz

 

 

Empire offers a FREE Broker Opinion of Value for qualified sellers so do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about this service.  Please contact Roy Moss, President, at 714-374-6430 for full details.

 

Empire Business Solutions has been a leading Southern California Business Broker and M&A Specialist since 2005 concentrating on but not limited to  Orange County and Los Angeles County .  Empire specializes in representing sellers in Southern California who want to maximize the value of their business and are motivated to sell.

 

Mid Year Report on Businesses for Sale Orange County

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It is that time of the year when we take a look at the current state of affairs in the Business Broker and the Businesses for Sale space.

Several reports have surfaced recently which give us a good indication of the health of the industry.  Below is a quick summary of activity in Orange County and Southern California.

1. Listing for Business for Sale are at an all time time high with California leading the way

2.  Closed transactions in Q2 increased over Q1.

3.  Retail Restaurants leading the way with general Retail second, Service third, and Mfg fourth

Great time to sell your business.

3 Top Transaction Killers

  • Seller’s ego on realistic value.
  • Non-industry CPA’s & lawyers.
  • Lack of trust between buyer & seller.

Always remember that the best time to sell is after a great year of financial performance.

7 Reasons Owners Sell:1. Age (planned sale at age 65)2. Sickness3. Health4. Spouse Transfer5. Birth6. Death7. Divorce

Empire’s Top 10 Reasons Businesses Do Not Sell

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A little secret about the M&A and Business Broker business.  It is estimated a minimum of 25% and a maximum of 75% of all businesses which go to market NEVER sell.   Whatever the real figure is, why do some businesses not sell.  From Empire’s 11 years in the industry, our experience leads us to believe these are the Top Ten Reasons;

1.  The owners expectation for the value of their business is much greater than a real world valuation.

2.  The owner is the main person in the business with little or no management team to support the business if something happens to the owner.

3.  The business has a high concentration of revenues in 1-2 two customers.

4.  Several family members are part of the business.

5.  The business is in a space (industry) which is changing

6.  Revenues are declining and the owner claims it is because he is slowing down.

7.  Owner takes many perks from the business which are not really “add backs”.

8.  Owners are unfamiliar with the selling process and are not prepared for the due diligence.

9.  The owner has taken the steps necessary to plan for  an exit strategy.

10.  Owner did not realize the value or consult with a trusted M&A advisor or Business Broker prior wanting to sell.

What’s Hot and What’s Not

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What is NOT hot is businesses that are over valued.  A buyer must get a return on his investment (ROI) which most sellers do not understand.  I wish I had a dollar for every seller who said “If a buyer just put more money into this business, it will boom which is why I want more for the business”.

What is Hot?

Top Ten Businesses by Search Impression for April 2015

  1. Restaurants
  2. Bars
  3. Fast Food – Non Franchises
  4. Convenience Stores
  5. Home & Garden Businesses
  6. Café Bars
  7. E-Commerce Businesses
  8. Fast Food Franchises
  9. Sandwich Shops & Delivery
  10. Bagel Shops

 

Top Ten M&A Businesses for April 2015

  1. Car Wash & Valet
  2. Gas/Petrol Service Stations
  3. Mining Businesses
  4. Distribution Businesses
  5. Main Contractors
  6. Manufacturing Businesses
  7. Wholesale Businesses
  8. Auto Repair, Service & Parts
  9. Fabrication Businesses
  10. Construction Businesses

 

Empire Business Solutions Forecasts 2015

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Empire Business Solutions, a leading Business Broker and M&A Company in Orange County, California is forecasting a robust market  activity for the sale of small businesses in 2015.  Continuing the trend of positive economic and market activity that closed out 2014, more privately owned businesses have been able to grow their revenues, cash flow, and balance sheets. This has led to making them more attractive to buyers and lenders.  The buyers for these business are poised to grow their business through strategic acquisition to meet their growth projections.  A combination of low interest rates, record highs in the stock market, improving employment, and a lot cash on hand with drive the deal the market in 2015.  Additionally, Private Equity is sitting on a lot of “dry powder”.

Empire has already experienced this forecasted trend in the first Quarter of 2015.  Empire was able to close its first deal of the year in early February, transitioning a manufacture/distributor to a new owner, a small Private Equity firm in a deal that was closed within 30 days, almost at lightning speed as the PEG was closing another deal the following month.

Another example of this trend in the M&A activity of small business is the two new engagements Empire brought to market in January and February.

Manufacture of Performance After Market Auto Parts

This company is a leading producer of performance parts for the automotive after market.  They have achieved consistent revenues growth since it inception in 2005 even through the Great Recession.  Quality and service has made this company a leader in its field and contributed to 2014’s 25% growth year over year.  Company markets it products world wide mainly through distributors and only products for imported cars.  Vast opportunity for growth by tapping into the domestic market.  Factory currently  only running a 1/3 capacity so growth can be achieved fairly quickly with a strategic partner with distribution channels.

Metal Working Equipment Dealer

This profitable Southern California metal working equipment dealer and service company is a long established dealer with an strong customer base.  This company provides equipment and machine shop services to businesses all over Southern California.  The company enjoys an excellent reputation for sales and customer service  from the customers and vendors  it serves.  This company represents a wide range of manufactures which provide the company with outstanding support for their products.

 

First Done Deal of 2015

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Empire Business Solutions, a leading Business Broker and M&A Company based in Huntington Beach is pleased to announce the first successful transaction of  2015.  Roy Moss, President of Empire, said “We are quite excited about the prospects for a very active 2015 and this first “Done Deal” of the year is proof that we are off to a very good start.

Tombstone

This was a California-based manufacturer and distributor of plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) supplies. The products are manufactured in China.  The company has one full time employee to oversee the Q/C and supply sourcing in China.   The company maintains an active inventory of 600 SKUs and caters to the wholesale market segment, maintaining a customer base of approximately 260 customers. Products are distributed throughout the United States. The company has inventory-stocking sales representatives in Texas, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Total revenue was $4.5million in 2014 with EBITDA at $600,000.

The Company was purchase for approximately $1.9 mil by a small investor driven PEG from out of state with seller financing and earn out part of the deal structure.

M&A activity from Main Street to Wall Street seems very active and most forecasts from the leading websites are pointing to increased transactions in 2015.

A recent report from a prominent  business for sale website confirms these growth projections.   Their survey of brokers revealed a record number of transaction for 2014 since they started keeping track in 2007.  The significant increase in the volume of closed deals can be attributed to couple factors.  First is the survey reported an increase in qualified buyers who have entered the market.  The second important factor was the overall improvement in the business environment.  Businesses are performing at a much higher level in terms of revenues and profits which improves their valuations.  The median asking prices are growing due to the higher financials being reported.  Additionally, as we have reported before, the number of business going to market continues to increase because of the Baby Boomers retiring and wanting to exit their businesses.  It is expected that more Baby Boomers will exit in 2015 than in 2014.

All of these factors lead all in our industry to believe 2015 will be a good one.

Empire Business Solutions has been a leading Business Broker and M&A Specialist since 2005 in the Orange County and Los Angeles County area.  Empire specializes in representing sellers in Southern California who want to maximize the value of their business.

Contact Roy Moss, President of  Empire Business Solutions at 714-374-6430 to discuss the process in selling or buying a business in Southern California.

 

Empire Business Solutions Celebrated Its 10th Anniversary

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Empire Business Solutions, a leading Business Broker and M&A Company based in Huntington Beach is pleased to announce that 2015 marks the 10th Anniversary for this Southern California intermediary.   Started in 2005, Realestate Opportunities & Investments, Inc, dba Empire Business Solutions, opened its doors with the mission of helping business owners realize their dreams of financial security by selling their business.

As experienced M&A professionals, Empire completely understands the life span of a business.  From start up through acquisition, merger or to presenting your business for sale, Empire has established our principles for success;

*Strict confidentiality with free consultation

*Strong client representation

*Solid evaluation

*Energetic Marketing

As President of Empire with over 35 years experience in all aspects of the business and sales process, Roy Moss has  personally involved himself in every transaction.  Through continued education and experience, Roy Moss and Empire manage the complex M&A transactions along with its team of professional experts which range from environmental to legal.  The goal is to arrive at a successful transaction for buyers and sellers.

Over the last ten years of service to the Southern California and Orange County business community representing buyer and sellers, Empire Business Solutions has participated in

over sixty different successful transactions.  Here is a partial list of successful transactions:

Done Deals

(Partial List)

Beco Mfg

Eastman-Bell Mfg

EML Laboratories

D&A Coatings

Pastorello Construction

USECC

Virtuoso Video Productions

Business Opportunity Journal

Islander BBQ

Avant Garde Salon

Origins Massage & Bodyworks

Skin Rx

Pet Pantry

Lisa Belle Salon

Tommy Bahama Retailer

Spa World Mfg

Gauthier Spa and Salon

Pasadena Med Spa

Carpolicy.net

California Greetings

Bershea

Colton Radiator

Midas

Reliable Auto Care

Focus Medical

Hairfree

Studio Exchange

Shah Legal

Lincoln Institute of Massage

It’s A Grind

Bamboo & Beyond

Pura Vida

KG Spa

Photomakers

OC Spa

Lil Angels Photography

Advanced Laser Clinic

Spa  Del Mar Location

Midas-Barstow

Wright’s Automotive

The deals over the last ten years have ranged from main street businesses to lower middle market M&A transactions.   The experience and personally attention to our clients have made Empire Business Solutions a leading Business Broker and M&A Specialist since 2005 in the Orange County and Los Angeles County area.  Empire specializes in representing sellers in Southern California who want to maximize the value of their business.

Contact Roy Moss, President of  Empire Business Solutions at 714-374-6430 to discuss the process in selling or buying a business in Southern California.

Orange County Business for Sale Market

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LOOK AT THESE FACTS…

The Baby Boomers (about 70,000,000 of them) are poised to make a great impact on the American economy.

  • Retiring Boomer business owners will sell or bequeath $10 trillion worth of assets over the next two decades.
  • These assets are held in more than 12 million privately owned businesses.
  • More than 70 percent of these companies are expected to change hands.
  • The sale of almost 12 million businesses over the next 10 to 15 years represents a significant increase in the annual number of businesses that will be sold.
  • These owners of businesses should have a valuation performed by a business broker, to map out a strategy for selling and structuring the sale of the business.
  • Planning ahead will enable business owners to achieve the best transaction possible during this Boomer-induced wave of business sales.
  • The 12,000,000 businesses likely to change hands over the next 10-15 years might involve a large number of boomer-to-boomer sales.
  • Baby Boomers ages 45 to 64 form businesses at a higher rate than other age groups.
  • 55 to 64 year olds form businesses at the highest rate of any age group.
  • Many of the Baby Boomers are too young to retire; they typically have ample capital through savings, investments or other assets; they have job-related skills accumulated through a lifetime of work; and many have lost faith (and money) as a result of large company layoffs and restructurings; and many will buy their own business in coming years.
  • Many Boomers find themselves unhinged from their traditional employment safety nets. This dislocation has fueled an intense desire and need to have control of their destinies.
  • Ironically, now small business ownership is seen as much more safe and secure than working for a large company.
  • So, in the coming decades, not only are we likely to see millions of Baby Boomers selling businesses they now own, we will also see additional millions of Boomers (who’ve spent their lives working for someone else), buying businesses.
  • The next two decades will see a significant increase in the number of small and mid-sized businesses being bought and sold by Baby Boomers, in addition to the other generations of Americans.