Common Sense Tips on Buying a Business and Selling a Business

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I am often asked by clients for assistance in validating the price they are going to pay to purchase a small / medium enterprise. Business people should of course rely on their trusted advisors for professional help in that area, but this article will hopefully give them insight and advice into their challenge.

We also encourage our clients to talk to either their own peers, or in some cases our clients with respect to others experience in this area. This may help alleviate some of the concern around those business people who are ' non - financial ' in background and somewhat overwhelmed by discussion of terms such as EBITDA, intangible assets, capitalization and discount rates, etc!

We would point out that as technically overwhelming as some of those issues might be, there is even a whole additional layer of complexity around longer term issues down the road. These would include:

- Owner and management compensation

- insurance planning

- estate planning

- exist strategy

With reference to our last point on ' exit strategy ' imagine the look on some purchasors faces when they have not even completed the deal and are encourage to talk about an ' exit strategy '!

At the heart of the matter around the final price paid for a business is the concept that both parties feel they have reached a fair deal. As we all know the buyers and sellers perception of the same deal might vary greatly. Ultimately all the technical jargon around buying a business comes down to a term such as 'reasonable market value'. As common sense as this may sound it also has its challenges since is it only a hypothetical value based on all the difference financial elements related to the purchase of a business.

The most commonly used valuation of a business is know as ' value of future earnings '.. Accountants and financial advisors often project earnings out as far as ten years and try and then place some value and normalcy around those future profits. Our on piece of advice in this area is simply that owners should not focus solely on future earnings potential, there are other factors to be taken into consideration.

Some of those other factors of course include the true value of the current business assets, such as equipment, real estate, fixtures and leaseholds, etc. We can only say that as critical as those assets are they must be supported by the company's ability to generate the cash flow to support those assets and grow the business. Buyers and sellers frequently disagree on the total purchase price, with all sorts of psychology kicking in around prices being set artificially high for negotiations purposes, the buyers focus on a low- ball offer, etc. We would also point out the buy/sell challenge is accentuated when it relates to a ' service' firm as opposed to a product firm.

Many experts agree that ultimately the valuation of the business was so far out of whack that this clouded any possible attempts to negotiate a fair price for buyer and seller.

In summary, buying or selling a small to medium enterprise has its challenges. If owners are aware of the key basics around the technical aspects of the matter they can successfully utilize third party assistance ( accountant, lawyer, trusted financial advisor ) to consummate a successful transaction. Buyers and sellers must focus on tangible issues as well as all the intangibles that come into play in order to assist in a proper, ( and a successful ) buy or sell.





7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .







7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.

Stan Prokop









Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stan_Prokop/432698


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3459268

Acquisition Financing In Canada : Avoiding The Wrong Distractions

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The Psychology Around Buying, Selling & Financing Issues In Acquisitions & Mergers

OVERVIEW – Information on acquisition financing in Canada . Knowing key issues around buyer and seller & financing ‘ hot points ‘ makes buying or selling a business with success a high odds strategy

Acquisition financing in Canada almost always involves validating the price you're going to pay to purchase a small / medium enterprise. One reason is that companies in the SME sector don't always have the same talent available to price real value. Business people should of course rely on their trusted advisors for professional help in that area, but this article will hopefully give them insight and advice into their challenge.

The terms involved in financing a business you are buying can themselves be overwhelming to those who don't regularly work with
EBITDA, intangible assets, capitalization and discount rates, etc!


We would point out that as technically overwhelming as some of those issues might be, there is even a whole additional layer of complexity around longer term issues down the road. These would include:

- Owner and management compensation

- Insurance planning

- Estate planning

- exist strategy


With reference to our last point on ' exit strategy ' imagine the look on some purchasers faces when they have not even completed the deal and are encourage to talk about an ' exit strategy '!


At the heart of the matter around the final price paid for a business is the concept that both parties feel they have reached a fair deal. As we all know the buyers and sellers perception of the same deal might vary greatly. Ultimately all the technical jargon around buying a business comes down to a term such as 'reasonable market value'.

As common sense as this may sound it also has its challenges since is it only a hypothetical value based on all the difference financial elements related to the purchase of a business.


The most commonly used valuation of a business is known as ' value of future earnings '... Accountants and financial advisors often project earnings out as far as ten years and try and then place some value and normalcy around those future profits. Our on piece of advice in this area is simply that owners should not focus solely on future earnings potential; there are other factors to be taken into consideration.


Some of those other factors of course include the true value of the current business assets, such as equipment, real estate, fixtures and leaseholds, etc. We can only say that as critical as those assets are they must be supported by the company's ability to generate the cash flow to support those assets and grow the business.

Buyers and sellers frequently disagree on the total purchase price, with all sorts of psychology kicking in around prices being set artificially high for negotiations purposes, the buyers focus on a low- ball offer, etc.

We would also point out the buy/sell challenge is accentuated when it relates to a ' service' firm as opposed to a product firm. Many experts agree that ultimately the valuation of the business was so far out of whack that this clouded any possible attempts to negotiate a fair price for buyer and seller.

The bottom line: buying or selling a small to medium enterprise has its challenges. If owners are aware of the key basics around the technical aspects of the matter they can successfully utilize third party assistance (accountant, lawyer, trusted financial advisor) to consummate a successful transaction.

Buyers and sellers must focus on tangible issues as well as all the intangibles that come into play in order to assist in a proper (and a successful) buy or sell. Methods to finance a purchase depend on the overall size and credit quality of the business. Commonly used financing techniques in acquisitions and mergers include:

Asset Based Loans

Non bank asset based lines of credit

Govt Small Business Term Loan

Cash flow loans/ Mezzanine Debt

Traditional bank financing

A/R finance

Sale leaseback strategies

Vendor take backs

If you're looking to successfully explore the key aspects of buying and selling a business seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with buying or selling your business.

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 13 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Buying A Business In Canada: How To Hedge Your Risk With Proper Company Financing & Loans That Fit

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Avoiding Egg On Your Face Financing Mistakes When Buying A Business

OVERVIEW - Information on loans and cash flow solutions for buying a business in Canada. Acquisition finance involves company financing that matches the balance sheet and prospects for the target company

Buying a business in Canada will often involve looking beyond the numbers when it comes to ensuring proper financing can be in place. It's not all about negotiating the sale price - it's also about the necessary finance solutions that must be put in place to ensure business survival and profitability. Let's dig in.

The pros of course call it ' due diligence’. For us it's a pretty basic common sense premise: ensuring sales, inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable are all reasonable. Bottom line- the finance solutions tie together your plans for mgmt, mfg or delivering services, and marketing.

The essence of any business, large or small, is cash management. Working capital solutions for financing an existing business include:

A/R Financing/factoring

Bank revolving credit lines

Non bank asset based lines of credit

Inventory Financing

Tax Credit Financing

Small business govt guaranteed loans (maximum 1 Million $)

Firms that are not profitable or that have ' challenged' balance sheets will not qualify for what we call ' traditional' finance. These types of companies can't comply with the financial ratios and collateral demanded by our Canadian chartered banks. Almost all businesses that sell on credit, large or small, need some sort of business credit line.

Numerous alternative financing solutions are in fact available - but at the same time new owners/mgt must be able to address and talk to items such as gross margins, operating inefficiencies, etc.

Buying a business for ' all cash ' is almost never the option available to purchasers. Top experts tell us than not even a 1/3 of businesses purchased are done via ' all cash ‘. Unfortunately sellers like/want cash! More often than not the final structure of your transaction will be:

Owner Cash

External Financing

Vendor Take Back/Seller Financing (not always, but often)

‘ABL ' (Asset Based Lending) is often a solid solution for a business financing strategy. These types of facilities allow you to borrow heavily against inventory, accounts receivable and equipment/fixed assets.

One legal/technical issue often becomes a critical point in acquisition financing. That is the issue of ‘asset sales' vs. 'share sales'. From a buyers perspective asset sales tend to make more sense - sellers focus on share and tax strategies for selling their businesses. This can often complicate financing.

We've seen there are some critical issues that can make or break the success of financing a business purchase. Those issues include proper valuation pricing, debt load, working capital and cash flow financing challenges.

If you're focused on a winning deal and financing a business purchase properly seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your funding needs.

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Buying A Business In Canada : Acquisition Financing

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Buying A Troubled ( Or Successful !) Company In Canada ? Finance Strategy 101

OVERVIEW - Information on buying a business in Canada . Numerous finance strategies and solutions exist for acquisition financing . Sources of capital are identified as well as understanding the differences between turnarounds and successful acquisitions

Acquiring an existing business in Canada. Talk About Temptation! We’re talking about buying an existing business that's already profitable, or, on the other hand a firm that is challenged and due for your turnaround. In both cases current owners might be motivated to sell, but for different reasons!

How do firms for sale get themselves in trouble? Often it's lack of funding and too much existing debt, as opposed to operating problems which are a whole different kettle of fish.

Some immediate issues to look into are arrangements with current lenders. This is often the scenario of working capital being extremely limited due to the current financing structure.

There are numerous ' valuation techniques ' in establishing the right price for the business. If a business is already losing money and has poor or negative cash flows it's time to take a hard look at the assets.

The good news about existing assets is there are numerous financing strategies to assist in finalizing a transaction these solutions include:

The Govt of Canada Guaranteed Small Business Loan (It finances assets and leaseholds and has a new maximum borrowing cap of $1,000,000.00

Sale Leasebacks

Asset based bridge loans and business credit lines

Naturally the quality of the assets is key, whether they are fixed ' hard' assets or the assets that represent working capital components - i.e. accounts receivable & inventories. Key point - book values don't tell the true value of the assets, and in some cases you might need to make an investment in new technology - i.e. computers / software, etc (Equipment Leasing is almost always the best way to acquire tech assets given their cash outflow flexibility)

Service companies that have few assets are always more challenging to finance given lack of hard assets.

While new owners will almost always be required to put some of their own cash into the business many financing solutions will also drive the minimum and maximum amount they will need to put up. Asset based lending strategies will often help minimize owner equity investment.

While Canadian chartered banks are a great source of financing for acquiring existing profitable businesses they are somewhat more than reluctant to finance firms with obvious financial challenges. Banks will almost always focus on a business plan, mgmt experience, the balance sheet and owner personal financial statements.

The bottom line? When buying an existing profitable or challenged business have a strong understanding of your opening balance sheet and the proper mix of current assets and debt. Understand the value of your hard assets and ensure you have financing in place to cover working capital needs.




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com




7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Acquisition Financing In Canada : SME Acquisitions Debt & Loan Funding Tips & Strategies You Need

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Buying A Business ? Acquisition Financing A Pressing Problem ?

OVERVIEW - Acquisition financing is a key part of buying a business in Canada. The right type of loan funding and acquisition debt is critical to a successful purchase of a company / competitor

Business acquisition financing , done properly, plays a key role in helping to grow the business properly, and profitably. We're talking about the proper ' buy side' strategy. Let's dig in.

Safe to say that as a potential purchaser of a business you need to focus on the financing of your deal.

Why would you consider purchasing an existing business? Reasons vary, but are not limited to:

- Growing revenues faster
- Expanding into new markets or geographies
- To eliminate some existing costs and therefore increase profits
- capitalize on new technologies /products/clients

Various key parts of the existing balance sheet can play a vital role in financing your purchase properly. A solid example of this is to table the issue of a ' vendor take back / seller note ' that can alleviate the amount of capital you have to either put in... or borrow .

Naturally not all sellers are ' motivated ' to stay in the deal but a fair vendor take back note has 2 great advantages - reducing the amount you need to borrow , as well as enhancing some of the cash flow requirements that a lender might be concerned about . It might be opportune to mention to a seller that in some cases a higher sale price can be achieved with a VTB type deal.

In transactions we have worked on the existing accounts receivable must be addressed. Putting some... or all of the existing A/R into the deal may offfer certain advantages to you as a buyer.

So let's get to the ' nub ' of our issue - What financing strategies are in fact most common in acquiring a company. The most commonly used and almost always successful (if done properly!) include:

Govt Business Loans ( The SBL Guarantee Loan now has a limit of $1,000.000.00 ) Remember though that this type of loan only finances equipment and leaseholds, so another form of financing may well be required to complete your transaction.

Bank Term Loans/ Revolver facilities

Asset based loans - These loans finance all, or parts of receivables, inventory, equipment, as well as providing revolving credit lines for the ongoing business

Unsecured cash flow loans

Franchise Loans (Franchising is a huge part of the Canadian economy)

If you're focused on financing a business acquisition properly seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with buying and financing a business properly.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –


Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment fin, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info & Contact Details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769



Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

Common Sense Tips on Buying a Business and Selling a Business

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Information on buying a business in Canada . Acquisition financing is a large part of a successful purchase of a company . Ensuring the right valuation and financing for buyout funding is critical - here's why !

We are often asked by clients for assistance in validating the price they are going to pay to purchase a small / medium enterprise. Business people should of course rely on their trusted advisors for professional help in that area, but this article will hopefully give them insight and advice into their challenge.

We also encourage our clients to talk to either their own peers, or in some cases our clients with respect to others experience in this area. This may help alleviate some of the concern around those business people who are ' non - financial ' in background and somewhat overwhelmed by discussion of terms such as EBITDA, intangible assets, capitalization and discount rates, etc!

We would point out that as technically overwhelming as some of those issues might be, there is even a whole additional layer of complexity around longer term issues down the road. These would include:

- Owner and management compensation

- insurance planning

- estate planning

- exit strategy

With reference to our last point on ' exit strategy ' imagine the look on some purchasors faces when they have not even completed the deal and are encourage to talk about an ' exit strategy '!

At the heart of the matter around the final price paid for a business is the concept that both parties feel they have reached a fair deal. As we all know the buyers and sellers perception of the same deal might vary greatly. Ultimately all the technical jargon around buying a business comes down to a term such as 'reasonable market value'. As common sense as this may sound it also has its challenges since is it only a hypothetical value based on all the difference financial elements related to the purchase of a business.

The most commonly used valuation of a business is know as ' value of future earnings '.. Accountants and financial advisors often project earnings out as far as ten years and try and then place some value and normalcy around those future profits. Our on piece of advice in this area is simply that owners should not focus solely on future earnings potential, there are other factors to be taken into consideration.

Some of those other factors of course include the true value of the current business assets, such as equipment, real estate, fixtures and leaseholds, etc. We can only say that as critical as those assets are they must be supported by the company's ability to generate the cash flow to support those assets and grow the business. Buyers and sellers frequently disagree on the total purchase price, with all sorts of psychology kicking in around prices being set artificially high for negotiations purposes, the buyers focus on a low- ball offer, etc. We would also point out the buy/sell challenge is accentuated when it relates to a ' service' firm as opposed to a product firm.

Many experts agree that ultimately the valuation of the business was so far out of whack that this clouded any possible attempts to negotiate a fair price for buyer and seller.

In summary, buying or selling a small to medium enterprise has its challenges. If owners are aware of the key basics around the technical aspects of the matter they can successfully utilize third party assistance ( accountant, lawyer, trusted financial advisor ) to consummate a successful transaction. Buyers and sellers must focus on tangible issues as well as all the intangibles that come into play in order to assist in a proper, ( and a successful ) buy or sell.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com




7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3459268

Buying A Business In Canada : Which Company Acquisition Financing Loan Works Best For You?

3 Things You Need To Know About Buying A Business & Financing The Purchase

OVERVIEW – Information on buying a business in Canada and the techniques and key issues around company acquisition financing . 3 key factors can play a role in the successful purchase and finance of an existing business or competitor

Buying a business in Canada may not be as challenging as you might think. Although some maintain credit markets are ' tight ‘, transactions with the right fundamentals and homework done still make a lot of sense. 3 key points cannot be overlooked. Company acquisition financing is in fact available from a number of sources - Here they are, so let's dig in.

Valuation, i.e. what you'll pay for a company is of course key. Overpaying is not our recommended strategy! , and underpaying can of course reveal a number of issues... much later! So the business owner/ entrepreneur/ financial mgr must know how to analyze the real value and ' earning power ' of the business you're looking at acquiring... or merging with.

That valuation process if of course accomplished by taking a hard look at those financial statements - either on your own if you have got some expertise, or an expert business advisor in this area. What in fact are you buying? When you think of it, it comes down to assets or cash flow/profits. What you can do with those ' assets' is equally as important
.
Who can in fact assist you in the entire valuation, and financing process? It's all about getting access to the type of business and financing advisor who can help you get information, determine real value, and then of course structure and assist in financing the deal via the proper strategy. You're looking for someone to work with you, not for you - someone totally focused on what you are trying to achieve.

That whole process of assistance will pay off in dividends later, only because you got a good value for the company you're buying, the deal was done with the right amount of confidentiality, and you put the right legal and financing structure in place.

The ability to ' pick apart ' the financials and put a matching company acquisition financing deal in place is key to success. While a fair price makes sense to both buyers and sellers as a buyer you want to know what level of financial success you can take the business to with your mgmt skills and industry expertise. Things like the state of the industry you're in, product and service reputations, etc. are key.

Look at trends in operating ratios and sales and benchmark those against competitors. If the company want managed properly in the past you might need all new levels of capital and financing.

Financing to both acquire and run the company is important .Set up a list of key issues you want to explore and ensure you can tackle each one. Those issues include a total understanding of profits, what working capital and credit lines you need, and what those assets are really worth and contribute.

Financing for buying a business in Canada comes from a variety of sources. In many cases a ' combo' approach works. Those solutions? They include:

Franchise Loans

Govt Guaranteed Small Business Loans (they are not as small as you think

Bank loans

Asset based lines of credit

Equipment financing

Unsecured cash flow loans

Vendor takes back strategies


So, a recap of our 3 critical issues. They are valuation, using the right expertise and advisors, and understanding how those financials will take you to the right business finance strategy.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success who can assist you with your acquisition finance needs.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop