Every business owner eventually considers selling his or her business. This important business decision can be challenging and emotional. Our expertise is in handling the specific issues associated with selling private, middle-market companies. We regularly advise on the why, when and how of selling, and also assist on setting market-based valuation expectations.

Selling or merging your business is an important decision that requires a formal review with the help of seasoned professionals. Each owner's reasons for considering a sale or merger are particular to his unique circumstances and those of his company. It is vital to develop appropriate strategies and approaches to the M&A market to meet these unique demands and priorities.

There are many valid reasons for selling or merging a business, including:

• Liquidity: to diversify an illiquid net worth that is tied up in a company.
• Succession and retirement: to ensure continuity of the business.
• Estate planning: to provide for heirs not involved in the business.
• Expansion capital: to finance future growth.
• Synergies: to introduce new product lines or provide access to new markets.

The co-founders of Sperry, Mitchell & Company, Paul Sperry and Beatrice Mitchell, each have been engaged in investment banking for over 25 years. They have gathered their collective wisdom and experiences in a book entitled The Complete Guide To Selling Your Business. The book is a step-by-step guide providing advice on the entire process of selling a business, from determining when is the appropriate time to sell to negotiating the final terms of a transaction.

A company's value is determined by a variety of factors, including a company's past performance, its assets, its future earnings prospects, the industry outlook and the strength of its management, products and services. Ultimately, value is determined in the marketplace, and the best way to maximize value is to create an active market of interested parties.

Sperry, Mitchell & Company exclusively focuses on advising sellers of privately held companies. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have and discuss your objectives.

For immediate access to our free report, A Guide to Selling or Merging Your Business, or a free confidential consultation and valuation, please click here.