The Biggest Mistakes Business Buyers Make
By Peter Siegel MBA, BizBen Founder
The biggest mistake made by buyers is not seeking professional representation and guidance before closing the purchase transaction. Without an experienced broker or attorney on their side, a buyer is prone to making numerous mistakes, some of which can jeopardize the viability of the business.
Even in those transactions that involved a business escrow and SBA financing, I have seen disputes and even litigation between buyers and sellers result from the buyer and seller leaving significant terms “to be determined” after closing, or failing to address significant legal issues prior to closing. For example, buyers and sellers often agree that the seller will providing consulting services to the buyer after closing, but some buyers and sellers close escrow before agreeing to the details of such an arrangement.
Once the seller has pocketed the sales proceeds, he has little reason to negotiate such an arrangement on terms favorable to the buyer. With respect to legal issues, buyers also occasionally fail to obtain an assignment of all of the seller’s rights under important contracts, including leases, prior to closing. Landlords, vendors, or customers operating under contracts with the seller may, under some circumstances, refuse to do business with the buyer, and this can be fatal to a business.
I asked other business brokers, advisors and intermediaries what they thought about this, and here are some of their responses:
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