Transworld Business Advisors Blog

You know what they say: New year, new you. If 2018 is the year you want to pursue your business dreams, look no further than Transworld Business Advisors to help those dreams come true. With years of experience in the franchise industry, Transworld’s professional business advisors have the industry insights and continually build upon their experiences to identify the latest trends. There are a wide variety of options to consider and you may not be sure where to start. Finding the right fit for you requires some research. Read on to see if any of these industries to watch in 2018 could be right for you. Fitness January is a ...

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Your business is a success so now you are considering expansion. You want to build on your existing strengths and reap the benefits of your hard work. But should you franchise your blueprint for others to follow, or clone your existing business in new locations? Answering that question correctly is the most critical decision you will make. So, here’s a rundown of what you should to take into account, and what you need to understand. What is a chain? A business chain is defined as a group of stores trading under the same name, retailing the same range of branded products, and guided by the same corporate management ...

Read More “Expanding as a Chain or Franchise: What You Need to Know”

New year, new you? Resolutions, set. Vision board, done. If your new year’s goals have you wanting to be your own boss, you may be torn between starting your own business or investing in a startup. But setting up a business from scratch and starting with a new concept or idea can involve significant risks. Instead, you may want to consider purchasing an existing franchise resale; this can provide you the benefit of business ownership without the risk of starting up or opening your own company. Why should I buy a franchise resale? There are many benefits in purchasing an already existing franchise, also known as a franchise ...

Read More “Buying a Franchise Resale: What You Need to Know”

Any good endeavor starts with a good idea — and the same is true for small businesses. While profit isn't the only factor for a small business owner to consider, it's an important place to start. Other factors to consider include whether the business matches your interests and skills, and what sort of barriers to entry are required such as licensing or training. If this sounds like a lot to navigate, do not fret — Transworld is here to help. We can help you go through an idea validation process — including market research and financial feasibility — before you're too far in. Transworld can help you to do your ...

Read More “Profitable Industries for Small Business Owners”

Whether you are looking to sell, acquire, or merge, one of our professional Transworld Business Advisors is available to assist you through the process and beyond. At Transworld, we have a mergers and acquisition (M&A) department with a dedicated team of professionals specializing in larger transactions. Depending on the transaction type, you can work with an experienced Transworld Business Broker or Merger and Acquisition Advisor. Mergers and acquisitions is a general term that refers to the consolidation of companies or assets. Although they are often referred to together, the terms merger and acquisition mean slightly different things. In all cases, two companies are involved. Simply, a merger is a ...

Read More “Business Brokers and M&A Advisors: What's the Difference?”

If you have decided it is time to sell your existing franchise, the experienced brokers at Transworld Business Advisors can help. Transworld has many years of experience working with franchises and we offer a franchise resale program to help you successfully sell your franchise. Our partnership with United Franchise Group means that we have a vast understanding of the franchise business. We know the ins and outs and can put that knowledge to work for you throughout the process of selling your franchise. In franchise sales terminology, the purchase of an existing unit is referred to as a "resale." All franchisees have a life cycle and almost everyone who buys ...

Read More “Tips for Selling Your Franchise”

The truth is, no two businesses are alike. Promoting your unique strengths makes your business more valuable and easier to sell? Identifying and maximizing the strengths of your business will not only help run you run profitable company today, but will be part of a targeted marketing strategy should you ever decide to sell your business. There's more than one way to sell a business. As a business owner, selling a business is often one of the most important and emotional decisions a business owner will make. Although it can be a challenging and time-consuming experience, there is no need to worry - Transworld Business Advisors is here to help ...

Read More “Selling Your Business Through Your Strengths”

A business's true worth is often far more than the value of its individual parts. When buying or selling a business, goodwill represents the value of the business that is above and beyond the worth of separately identifiable tangible business assets. Unlike physical assets, like buildings or equipment, goodwill is an intangible asset. What Are the Factors that Contribute to the Creation of Business's Goodwill? Business goodwill reflects the synergy among the various assets in a well-run business that are used to generate revenue. Although it can be difficult to price, determining the value of goodwill can make a company more valuable. However, since the components that make up goodwill ...

Read More “Goodwill When Buying or Selling a Business”

As it is with many things in life, timing is everything — especially when determining the right time to sell your business. Transworld presents the following list of questions that will you help determine if you should sell your business. Consider them carefully and answer them honestly: Am I ready to sell?Do I feel more exhaustion or passion when running the business?Could selling the business solve a problem or meet a strategic goal?Do I have the right people in the right positions to lead the company to the next level under new ownership?Will someone appreciate the business enough to buy the business?Do I have a ...

Read More “How to Determine the Right Time to Sell Your Business”

Business brokers, also called business transfer agents, or intermediaries, bring many benefits to the table for buyers and sellers as they assist in the process of buying and selling a business. Transworld Business Advisors is a global network of brokers offering a turnkey solution for those that want to build a solid business and future for themselves while maintaining a balanced quality of life. Transworld Business Advisors help sellers to locate and vet potential buyers. On the other side, buyers also rely on Transworld Business Advisors to help facilitate the process of evaluating potential businesses and franchises for sale. A Transworld Business Advisor is the solution for both scenarios for ...

Read More “Why Working With a Business Broker to Sell your Business Matters”

It's not unusual for buying or selling a business to feel like an intimidating task. Business owners are often fully focused on business operations and may not have addressed details to maximize the business value. On the other hand, a buyer may be interested in owning a business, but not know where to start. The process can be time-consuming and tedious for both the buyer and the seller. However, engaging the professionals at Transworld Business Advisors early on in the process can help to avoid unwanted delays, which will ultimately be of benefit to both the buyer and the seller. In business, time is always of the essence and it's ...

Read More “Selling a Business? How to Avoid Unwanted Delays”

If you're looking to purchase a business, you should give serious consideration to purchasing an existing business versus starting your own from scratch. When most people think of starting a business, they think of beginning from scratch and developing an idea to build a company from the ground up. However, starting a business from scratch presents many challenges and some distinct disadvantages including the difficulty of building a customer base, marketing the new business, hiring employees, and establishing cash flow . . . all without a track record or reputation to go on. The Advantages of Buying an Existing Business However, buying an existing business provides many advantages. When you buy a business, ...

Read More “Why You Should Buy an Existing Business versus Starting One from Scratch”

Selling a business is rarely an easy decision to make and there can be a great deal of complexities involved in the process. Most importantly, before finding a qualified broker to proceed with the transaction, you'll need to take several important preliminary steps to prepare yourself and your business. Timing is Everything Selling requires careful planning and Transworld is here to help. We will help you consider the business's ability to sell, its readiness, and your timing. The old saying that the early bird gets the worm is also true when it comes to selling your businesses. Preparing for the sale as early as possible will help you improve your ...

Read More “5 Steps to Selling Your Business”

It takes one to know one. And for the past 35 years, nobody has understood the complex needs of a franchise system better than United Franchise Group. And nobody knows the business of buying and selling in the franchise industry better than Transworld Business Advisors, part of United Franchise Group. Franchisors can face unique challenges and as a franchise ourselves, Transworld Business Advisors understands this first hand. If you're interested in selling a franchise, your local Transworld Business Advisors professional will work with you to manage the entire resale process. Transworld's Franchise Resale Program offers a team of more than 350 highly trained professionals that understand the individual needs of a franchise. ...

Read More “Franchise Re-Sale Broker: Re-selling Your Existing Franchise”

Confidentiality is an important factor in the successful sale of any business and should be taken seriously. Preserving the value-adding aspects of your business like your customer base, relationships with reliable vendors, experienced employees, and your market share helps you command a good price for your company. A breech in confidentiality can create havoc for a seller trying to sell it for the highest possible value. Unfortunately, in many cases, when the word slips out that you are looking to sell your business, people can't help but talk. And that is when the rumors start, which can spread as quick as wildfire. It's human nature to resist change. The rumors ...

Read More “Selling Your Business? Ensure Confidentiality with These Tips”

A good business broker will find you a reputable buyer and confidently walk you through a complex sale process. This will include helping you to determine a sensible price tag and negotiating a deal to bring a smile to your face. Of course, the tricky part of this strategy is always going to be recognizing a good broker when looking to sell your business. Let's look at a few of the tell-tale signs: Go for experience Someone who is an old hand will usually be a full-time broker at a reputable firm who knows the ropes. Selling a small business is not usually a task to entrust to someone with ...

Read More “How To Recognize A Quality Business Broker”

American buying trends reveal a lot about who we are and what's happening in the country. Not only is it important to understand the trends but also the people that are driving the trends. Just as American demographics are changing, so is today's business buyer. Transworld brokers consistently keep their finger on the pulse of today's business market to help our clients become better positioned when buying or selling a business. The "small business-for-sale" market shows few signs of slowing down so it's more important than ever to gain insight into potential buyers' backgrounds, preferences, and motivations. Today's Buyer Community Today's small business sellers are a mix of soon to ...

Read More “Who is Today's Business Buyer?”

Every industry has their own language and the industry of buying and selling franchise businesses is no different. Understanding the basic terminology can help get you started on the right foot. Transworld Business Advisors is here to help you every step of the way so let's start with a few commonly used terms. Franchising is a form of business by which the owner of a product or service expands or obtains distribution through affiliated dealers (also known as franchises). Franchisor A franchisor owns the rights and trademarks of a company and then allows a third party (the franchisee) to use these rights and trademarks to conduct business at a franchise ...

Read More “5 Important Terms You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Franchise”

Once you have decided to sell your franchise business, it's essential to understand the steps involved in the process. The good news is that franchisors consider the sales of existing franchises vital to the health and success of the overall franchise system. They know that all franchisees have a life cycle and almost everyone who buys a franchise will at some point want to sell it, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA). Chances are good that your franchisor will want to keep their franchise unit in your location, so they will be supportive of the franchise re-sale. And, in most cases, a new motivated buyer can further develop the ...

Read More “Franchise Re-Sales: How to Maximize Value for the Sales of Existing Franchise Units”

If you own a successful business, chances are good that you will have significant interest from a number of buyers when you decide it is time to sell. While this is very encouraging and exciting, it is important to understand that only a fraction of these potential buyers might actually be qualified to buy your business. It is also important to consider how much information you share about your business with those who show interest. A lot of the information that you will share with a buyer will be private, so it's essential that you are certain that the ones you provide this information to are not on a fishing ...

Read More “Selling Your Business: Determining if a Buyer is a Qualified One”

Once you have made the important decision to take control of your financial future by buying a business, you are bound to have questions about the purchasing process. Although the process of buying a business can be a bit confusing, answering five key questions even before you start your "Buying a Business Checklist" can help you simplify some issues and make the best choices. Am I ready to be an entrepreneur and, if so, how do I decide which business to buy? To be an entrepreneur, you need discipline and the ability to self-motivate. If you have both qualities, decide what type of business to buy first by leveraging your ...

Read More “Are You Ready to Buy a Business?”

[caption id="attachment_831" align="alignnone" width="992"] Confidentiality Hacks[/caption] A large part of the value of any business is linked with its reputation. However, when an enterprise is put on the market, its good name can be one of the hardest things to protect as the sale process evolves. Rumors may begin to circulate once employees, customers, and suppliers notice a sudden interest from the owner in repairing damaged equipment and spring cleaning and renovating the premises, coupled with 'upstairs' initiatives such as audits and tidying books and records. Whether you're working with an experienced broker or trying to go it alone, your sale plans are one secret you can't ...

Read More “Confidentiality Hacks: How to keep your business sale a secret”

Know what it takes to qualify for the transactions and how the process works Because we are in a relatively active period for mergers and acquisitions, many business owners wonder if they qualify for consideration by firms pursing those transactions. Research recently completed by KPMG showed that 84% of firms they surveyed planned on completing at least one M&A transaction in 2017, with 75% expecting to do more than one M&A transaction. About 78% of those surveyed said they expect to do deals with companies worth $500 million or less in industries such as technology, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, healthcare, media and telecommunications, and financial services. At Transworld, we have a ...

Read More “Does Your Business Have M&A Potential?”

Your success in building a business may at some point cause you to wonder if the next step forward could be creating your own franchise system. Before moving forward, some key vocabulary you will need to understand: Franchisors - a person or company that grants the license to a third party for the conducting of a business under their marksFranchisees - a person or company who is granted the license to do business under the trademark and trade name by the franchisor A franchising system, as defined by the International Franchising Association, the industry trade group, is a method for expanding a business and distributing goods and services through a ...

Read More “How to Create a Franchise System”

Once you have made the important decision to take control of your financial future by buying a business, you are bound to have questions about the purchasing process. Although the process of buying a business can be a bit confusing, answering five key questions even before you start your ""Buying a Business Checklist"" can help you simplify some issues and make the best choices. How do I decide which business to buy? Leveraging your past experience and expertise is a good place to start when deciding which type of business to buy. Business broker web sites typically list numerous businesses for sale in various industries, and in many geographic locations. ...

Read More “5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Business”

We've debunked the misunderstandings that leave so many sellers woefully unprepared when they put their business on the market.[/caption] When you've never done it before, selling a business can seem a daunting prospect. Though it's not like selling property or an automobile, one principle nevertheless remains the same: if you want a good selling experience, you must take time to understand what the market expects and appreciate what it can, and cannot, deliver. In many cases, there's nothing wrong with a business that's not selling; it's just that the seller has failed to prepare for a sale. Let's take a look at five common myths that help explain why ...

Read More “Top 5 Myths About Selling a Business”

Although we often hear about how mergers and acquisitions (M&A) offer companies exceptional growth opportunities, we rarely hear about how well the cultures of the combined companies mesh. That may be because this combination of corporate cultures is often more like a culture clash — and it can result in extremely negative consequences for many businesses unless it is properly addressed at the onset. In fact, the Society of Human Resource Management says that over 30% of all mergers fail due to culture incompatibility. However, it is important to note that if the merger is properly structured and negotiated by a professional intermediary, it stands a much better chance at ...

Read More “Killed by Culture: Why Culture Matters in Mergers and Acquisition”

Knowing what your business is worth is key to selling it at a profit. Your business valuation is also likely to be the first concern of potential buyers. So how do you properly determine the value of your business? The answer can be complex and somewhat confusing because business valuation is an art, not a science. Valuations are subject to the appraiser's judgment, skill, and quality of methodology. That considered, there are several basic principles that are always part of any business valuation. Standards of Value In general, appraisers use several standards of value for businesses: • Fair market value — This is the price at which the property would change ...

Read More “How Much is My Business Worth? Understanding the Different Standards for Valuating Your Business”

If you're considering buying a business, knowing some of the top businesses in 2016 that are growing the fastest can benefit you greatly. Carefully selecting from a list of profitable industries can ensure you choose the right direction that suits your needs and maximizes your profit. Why guess, when you can hold the cards in your hand? Top Industries for Growth in 2016 Internet growth, environmental issues, cost cutting and evolving technology are four key elements aligned with the fastest growing industries in the past year. Human capital is another trending element that can cut costs and add value. Some of the top industries in 2016 were: E-Commerce BusinessesBarsRestaurantsAuto Repair, Service & PartsConvenience StoresServices ...

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Determining what is the right time to sell a business can be an emotional process. Investors, employees and relatives who have all contributed to sustaining the business or are depending on the business for their livelihoods can elevate tension when making the final decision to sell. Since 44% of recent buyers look online first to buy, having professional guidance from a business advisor that can match your business to a buyer confidentially will ensure a successful sale for all parties involved. Tips on the Right Time to Sell a Business Understanding the steps for how to sell a business comes after you master knowing when it's time to sell. Below are ...

Read More “Is It the Right Time to Sell Your Business? Determining When It's the Right Time to Sell”

Buying or selling a business can be a stressful time. Choosing an adviser to help you through the critical steps in the process is key to a successful transaction. From research to close, it is important to understand what your business broker will do for you, know the costs associated with hiring a broker, and conduct a careful evaluation of their track record and success. What Your Business Broker Will Do for You A broker is an individual who works as part of a business brokerage firm and is experienced in both business and business sales. Business brokers put buyers and sellers in touch with one another and act as ...

Read More “Business Brokers: How to Choose the Right Business Brokerage Firm”

There are many reasons why people seek to buy businesses. In this article, we outline the three main types of buyers that prospective sellers are likely to encounter: Individual Buyers, Strategic Buyers and Financial Buyers. Since each of these buyer types comes with their own unique interests and behaviors, understanding their personas and motives can help you maximize the value of your business. Individual Buyers An individual buyer is an entrepreneur like yourself who is motivated by a desire to run his or her own business. Often, individual buyers are first-time business owners who may have management experience in a corporate environment. Many individual buyers are interested in working as ...

Read More “Business Buyer Personas: Exploring the Different Types of Potential Buyers for Your Business”

When you are packaging your business for sale, the uniqueness of your business makes it more attractive to acquirers. Having unique factors such as a defined brand identity, along with practical qualities. like a dedicated customer base, is hugely beneficial to prospective buyers. Here are some examples of features that make a business stand out from the rest: Brand name A good name can attract customers. If you're considering the sale of your established business, it may be too late for a name change, but that's no problem: it is the experience associated with the business name that counts. To improve or maintain your brand name when packaging your business, ...

Read More “Packaging the Sale of Your Business: Making Your Company Marketable in a Crowded Field”

When it's time to sell a business, some business owners might go it alone in an attempt to save the money needed for professional assistance. But selling a business alone can lead to many potential roadblocks: business owners can be distracted from their business, unable to find qualified buyers, and have trouble with proper valuation. For these reasons and more, business owners should avoid selling their business on their own, and instead use an experienced and trusted business advisor, who can help business owners maximize the value of their business and avoid facing the following unfortunate consequences. Selling becomes your full-time job. Although ultimately rewarding, selling a business is an ...

Read More “Don't Try to Sell a Business on Your Own: Why You Shouldn't Go It Alone if You Want to Maximize Value”

From a recognized brand to a proven trading history, find out why an established enterprise is a safer, less stressful route to entrepreneurial success. Is it better to start your own business or buy an existing one? The smart solution is arguably to purchase a proven enterprise and make it your own over time. Here are 10 reasons why doing so it's generally less risky, less stressful and more likely to generate a higher income, more quickly. 1. Everything's in place Buying a going concern means you purchase an actual working model rather than a theoretical concept: you can buy a solid financial track record, not a hopeful projection; inherit legal contracts ...

Read More “10 Reasons Why You Should Ditch the 9-5 and Buy — Rather Than Start — a Business”

There are many search tools available on the web to locate potential businesses for sale. These listings provide a snap shot of the opportunity for the prospective buyer.  Working with a business broker helps potential buyers to not just find an opportunity but also evaluate the right opportunity. Beyond the business listing, here are some core things to look for when evaluating the right business to buy. Consider a type of business that aligns with your goals, interests and capabilities Before beginning the search for individual businesses for sale, you can sit down with a business advisor to determine your financial capabilities, your skills and experiences as well as your ...

Read More “Businesses for Sale: How to Find and Buy a Business”

Need to advertise that your business is for sale? Even the most successful business owners often lack the experience and time to advertise that their business is for sale while running day-to-day business operations. Fortunately, working with a business broker can help you target and reach potential buyers for your firm while keeping the potential sale of your company confidential. Additionally, when you work with a business broker, you obtain the best price, get a proper market valuation of your business and maintain focus on optimizing your business for sale.PreparationPart of advertising your business for sale is ensuring that the business is ready to go on the market. Before ...

Read More “Advertise My Business for Sale: How and Where to Market Your Business”

When considering selling your business, it is crucial that the potential sale remains confidential. Having employees, customers and vendors learn of a possible sale can have devastating consequences on the business. For instance, customers may leave, employees may seek out other opportunities and the valuation of your business may decrease. These problems may weaken your bargaining position as you negotiate with potential buyers.In order to protect your confidentiality throughout the entire process of selling your business, it is best to work with a business advisor. Confidentiality is arguably the most critical issue for a business advisor as we work on this process with business owners. Here, we discuss some ...

Read More “Considering Selling Your Business? Tips for Keeping Your Potential Sale Confidential”

A company acquisition is a great selling option for owners of high-earning, high-growth companies that need more capital or expertise, or simply wish to sell the business to a larger company. Whether your goal is to raise capital for your growing company or find a strategic buyer to complete an acquisition, working with a broker who can guide you through the process is key. Representing yourself in this kind of deal can lead to all types of big and small disasters, so it is best to retain an advisor who has been through the process many times before and can guide you to a successful close. Although each particular company ...

Read More “Company Acquisition Process: What You Need to Know as a Seller”

Owning a franchise presents an exciting opportunity for both new and experienced business owners. A franchise is a unique business model that differs in some key ways from independent business ownership. If you are thinking about purchasing a franchise, there are a few things to consider. Here are some ways to determine if owning a franchise is right for you, along with some considerations to help you find the perfect business match.Your Overall Fitness as a FranchiseeBefore deciding what kind of franchise you would like to own, you should first consider if owning a franchise is right for you. Franchises offer a distinct business model: in exchange for some ...

Read More “Owning a Franchise: How to Determine if Owning a Franchise is the Right Fit for You”

While we hear a lot about starting a business, it is not every day that we hear about leaving a business. There are many reasons why people consider exiting a business; no matter the reason, it is always good to ensure that you meet your business goals and get a fair return on the sale. There are several exit strategies a business owner can choose from when they have decided the time has come to exit the business. Here, we discuss two basic types of sale: selling the business to a singular friendly buyer and placing the business on the open market to be acquired.How far in advance should ...

Read More “Company Exit Strategy: Is Selling Your Business the Right Exit Strategy for You and Your Business?”

Wondering if your business is ready to be franchised? When thinking about franchising your business, there are a few key criteria to consider. Working with a franchise consultant can help you determine if: 1) you offer a superior product or service, 2) your concept is easy to share and teach, 3) your concept is easy to replicate across a diverse set of locations, and 4) your concept is not one that would encounter too many legal or regulatory obstacles.1. Do you offer a superior product or service?A successful franchise starts with a superior product or service. In addition to attracting customers, your product or service should also attract potential franchisees.Demonstrating your business' ...

Read More “How to Turn Your Business into a Franchise? First determine whether your business could succeed as one”

If you are interested in running a business but do not want to go through the process of developing an idea and getting it off the ground, you might consider buying an existing business. Below are a few of the many benefits of buying an existing business along with a couple tips that potential buyers should keep in mind before making a purchase.Advantages of Buying an Existing BusinessSkip the startup work: Getting set up is the hardest part of running a business. Before they can start selling goods or services, new business owners need to spend a great deal of time and money on equipment, paperwork, and permits. After ...

Read More “Buying an Existing Business? Advantages and Tips to Consider Before Making Your Purchase”