Sell A Business In The Financial Industry

“The business will be delivered with a normalized level of working capital.”

Selling a part of your business is more than achieving the highest valuation. A good exit strategy should consider timing, deal terms, personal wealth, growth, and the right buyer or partner.

Selling a business can open the door to more than a new phase. It can change how you think about what you built, who you built it with, and what you want to do next.

On Demand | Watch Now!

Live Webinar | August 20 | 12 PM ET | 9 AM PT

Bowmans, in collaboration with Benchmark International and DealMakers, proudly presents:

Most business owners don’t wake up one day and decide to sell their company. The decision is usually years in the making.

In today’s dynamic financial landscape, many business owners are seeking innovative ways to secure a comfortable retirement. One sometimes-overlooked strategy is mergers and acquisitions (M&A), which can be used by business leaders, savvy investors, and entrepreneurs to build wealth over time. When strategically executed, M&A tactics can help you to facilitate portfolio growth, generate passive income, and ultimately contribute to a more secure and prosperous retirement.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that two outstanding members have been recognized as winners in the 17th annual Emerging Leaders Awards. Congratulations go to Eric Kolesnikov, Associate Transaction Director, and Lindsey Price, Marketing Specialist, on this well-deserved achievement.

The prospect of a merger or acquisition can create tension among employees involved in the transaction. However, this does not have to be the case. When managed thoughtfully, employees may find themselves looking forward to the upcoming changes rather than feeling anxious or uncertain. It is essential to evaluate how a deal might influence employee productivity and to adopt a leadership style that fosters motivation, open communication, and overall satisfaction during periods of significant transition. Try to empathize with your employees’ perspectives, recognizing their potential concerns about job security, alterations in their roles, and the emotional toll these changes may entail.  There is a common perception that mergers frequently lead to job cuts, which can heighten stress levels. Nevertheless, layoffs are not an inevitable outcome of every merger; sometimes, the results can be quite the opposite. People should always remain a central focus during such transactions, and neglecting this aspect could lead to a significant drop in your business’s valuation, adversely affecting the overall deal. A vital practice in mergers and acquisitions is to assess how your employees will be influenced both prior to and after the completion of the transaction.

You have worked so hard and so long to build your business. You deserve to make the most of the time that comes after successfully selling it to the right buyer. You have likely grown accustomed to dedicating your time and energy to your company, which may make it challenging and cause you to feel uncertain when navigating the new era that follows your exit. Some owners find this time easier to sort out than others. But it's okay to feel unsure about what you should be doing now, after years of pouring your life into your company. You know that it's time to focus on the future. But what exactly does that entail? Here are some important places to start.

When a business comes with a clear, documented playbook, it instantly becomes more attractive to buyers. Buyers want confidence that an acquisition will run smoothly, and nothing provides that assurance quite like transparent processes, defined roles, and transferable knowledge. For lower middle-market companies, especially, a playbook can mean the difference between attracting competitive offers or facing buyer hesitation.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that our very own Kayla Sullivan has been named an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor’s 16th Annual M&A Awards. This award is given to a distinguished group of rising stars shaping the future of mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance.

When it comes to timing the sale of a company, you'll never know if it's too soon, but you'll know for sure when it's too late. Of course, you don’t want to sell too soon and leave money on the table. However, if you wait too long and sell too late, you can lose any advantages you may have with potential buyers. So, what’s the answer? There isn’t one answer. There are multiple factors to consider, and some may be more important than others depending on the business and its circumstances. Every business is different, and every industry brings its own challenges and benefits. But there are some steps you can take to put yourself in the best position to sell.

The financial services market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%, from $31.1 trillion in 2023 to $33.5 trillion in 2024. The industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% to reach $44.9 trillion in 2028.

ESOPs have a special place in the business world. There's a bit of mystery around them as they are outside of typical business structures, and many need to understand how they work, much less their role in an M&A transaction. Some ESOPs seeking to sell are curious if they can do so with an ESOP in place. Others looking to buy or be bought out by an ESOP aren't sure of the proceedings. Fortunately, Benchmark has managed both situations and can navigate deals with these added layers of complexity.

The global accounting services sector continues to grow steadily, up from $652.32 billion in 2023 to $676.73 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. The market is forecast to see this growth continue in the next few years, surging at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach$804.27 billion in 2028. 

Are you considering selling your business? Deciding when and why to sell is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make as a business owner. While maximizing financial proceeds is often at the forefront of these decisions, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not the only factor. Life circumstances, time with family, and other qualitative considerations can often outweigh financial gain. To help you navigate this complex process, we invite you to watch our latest webinar: Seller Motivation: What Goes Into The Decision To Sell?

Selling a business often culminates years of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. It marks a significant financial milestone, but how you structure the sale can have lasting implications on your financial health and future opportunities. One option that business owners frequently contemplate is maintaining a portion of equity in the business as part of the sale. This approach involves taking a portion of the sale proceeds in the form of equity in the acquiring company rather than all cash upfront. While it may not be ideal for every situation or seller, there are many reasons why rolling over equity should be carefully considered:

Are you considering selling your business but unsure where to start? On July 24th we hosted an exclusive webinar, Selling for Maximum Value: An M&A Expert's Guide To Preparation & Process. This event is designed to guide you through every step of the business sale process, from initial preparation to final negotiation. Whether you plan to sell soon or want to understand the process better, this webinar will equip you with the critical knowledge to achieve a successful and profitable sale.