Selling your construction company is the last major project you’ll manage in the business, so don’t treat it like an afterthought. Most Central Ohio owners wait until they are physically and mentally finished before seeking an exit. By that point, the burnout is visible in your books, your crew is eyeing other employment, and you’ve traded your hard-earned leverage for a fire-sale price. You aren’t retiring; you’re surrendering.
Your books are likely a mess of personal expenses, outdated equipment depreciation, and creative accounting. That’s common for small businesses, until it’s time to sell. Don’t let messy books erode trust and kill your valuation.
You don’t need to pay a broker 10% or more of your retirement to find a buyer. We also deal directly with owners, so you keep the commission in your pocket and keep your business details out of the public eye. How much money and time can we help you save?
We are actively looking for commercial and residential construction services businesses located in Central Ohio founded before 2016 that generate annual revenues between $1M and $5M.
Serious buyers will strip away the noise to understand the operating cash flow you’ve built. We need to understand the actual seasonal performance, not just what’s on the tax return.
Valuation isn’t about what you’ve done; it’s about what the company can accomplish without you. It is common to find profitable owner-operator businesses with little value. When the owner controls customer and vendor relationships, performs estimating and proposal work, and directs staff and subcontractors, employees function at the owner’s direction. In these circumstances, the reality is that the owner is the business.
Organize financial records, streamline operations, and resolve legal or contractual issues. Prepared sellers are more attractive to buyers and speed up the sale process.
Keep the sale confidential to prevent potential negative impacts on employee morale, customer relationships, and vendor confidence.
Selling a business takes time and energy. Offers will likely not meet your expectations. Be open to negotiations and clear on your bottom line.
Buyers will scrutinize your financials, contracts, and operations. Preparing accurate and detailed documentation is essential to a successful sale.
Many business brokers charge outrageous fees, promote dishonest business details, and are unresponsive to potential buyers. As an owner, you are more likely to loss money with a broker than realizing a gain.
Consider what happens after the sale, both financially and personally. Plan for taxes, reinvestment, and a smooth transition out of ownership.
This step involves preparing your business for sale by organizing financial records, improving operations, and addressing any legal or outstanding issues. The financial health of the business is a key determinate of our interest and a fair valuation.
The goal of due diligence is to understand the business, identify risks, and make an informed decision about the purchase. It involves gathering and verifying information about the business, including its finances, operations, legal issues, and other details.
If you receive an offer (letter of intent), the sell and buy sides negotiate the terms of the sale (price, conditions, etc.). Once agreed, both parties continue with due diligence, finalize contracts, inspections, and close the deal with legal and financial formalities.
