Selling Your Accounting Practice?

With an understanding of your business and goals, next we’ll evaluate your core market(s) to document key factors that may affect the perceived value of your business:

• Is your market area growing or declining?
• Are any of your competitors interested in expanding?
• What factors are prospective buyers utilizing in their business acquisitions?

In most circumstances, we begin with a baseline price of 100% of the industry standard multiple of gross billings. Then we rely on our practical experience to adjust the price according to factors such as size of staff, type of work performed, profitability, business reputation, and market trends.

Each situation is unique, therefore, we will always collaborate with our clients and focus on their goals when calculating the price. Some of the goals that affect price may include:

• Requiring a large down payment
• Seeking a quick cash sale
• Waiting for the highest price the market will bear
• Pursuing a secure income stream

We understand that putting a price on their company is a challenge for all business owners. In addition to personal factors and the terms of the deal, the amount is a concern. If a price is too high, buyers will not be interested; if the price is too low, sellers will not get the return they should. Our combination of analytical data and real-world experience presents your business at a fair price to potential buyers.

With the screening process complete, next we focus on the following factors to generate multiple offers from qualified prospective buyers to position you well for the negotiation stage:

• Which prospect has the skills and ability necessary to continue your business?
• Are the down payments large enough and terms adequate?
• Do the prospects have good credit?

In most circumstances, we begin with a baseline price of 100% of the industry standard multiple of gross billings. Then we rely on our practical experience to adjust the price according to factors such as size of staff, type of work performed, profitability, business reputation, and market trends.

Each situation is unique, therefore, we will always collaborate with our clients and focus on their goals when calculating the price. Some of the goals that affect price may include:

• Requiring a large down payment
• Seeking a quick cash sale
• Waiting for the highest price the market will bear
• Pursuing a secure income stream

We understand that putting a price on their company is a challenge for all business owners. In addition to personal factors and the terms of the deal, the amount is a concern. If a price is too high, buyers will not be interested; if the price is too low, sellers will not get the return they should. Our combination of analytical data and real-world experience presents your business at a fair price to potential buyers.

A well-written agreement that spells out everything—price, terms, etc.—can be the difference between a deal that sounds good and one that is enforceable.

Our standard purchase agreement is very comprehensive and covers:

• Terms
• Financing
• Non-competition agreements
• Transition
• Guarantees
• Down payments
• Protection of the unpaid balance
• Repayment schedules