Look Before You Jump - Doing Due Diligence

Once you have an accepted offer, the clock starts on the due diligence period which ranges from 17 to 30 days according to the terms of your Purchase Agreement.  Some of the items to review are:

Three year’s tax returns on the business in one of the following formats:

a.  Audited /best
b.  Reviewed /better
c.  Compilation letter /good

Three year’s profit and loss statements plus the year-to-date P&L

Sales tax reports, if applicable

Lease on the business

Bank Statements for the previous year and year-to-date

Contracts with vendors and employees

Lease agreements on equipment

Other items that are business specific, i.e.; franchise agreements

The above materials should get you started on the road to due diligence and buying a business. Another good strategy during this period, if agreeable to the sellers, is shadowing them to get a good look at the business operation.  The due diligence period of a sale is the dating period for the buyer and seller.  The close of escrow is like exchanging vows-- once you close escrow, it is too late to reverse the sale.  As Davy Crockett once said “be sure you are right, then go ahead, and never look back”.  It’s the same principle with a business sale; you like it, you review it, you buy it, then you make it successful.

Determining cash flow is the most important goal of the due diligence process.  For all intents and purposes you are buying a job and must be sure the business will meet your expectations.  Cash flow is considered the total amount of money an owner can get out of the business.  This includes items such as salary, taxes, insurance, autos and auto expenses. Additionally, non cash items such as depreciation and amortization, profits, entertainment and travel, retirement fund, parties, gifts, and any expense items that are incurred at the owners discretion and not required to run the business.

In my experience, buyers project improving the business 10 times better than the seller’s current efforts, and in most cases they do end up with greater numbers than the previous owner.  Sellers often get tired eyes after a few years of operating a business. Once you’ve been in business for a few years, let’s face it, you’ve most likely tried everything at least once.  Buyers will probably try the same things again and then some, but with a different twist, or at a different time. Fresh eyes and energy are what make a business succeed.

Due diligence is a process to make sure you are getting what you expected, laying the foundation where you can invest your new enthusiasm to grow the business. There is nothing better than being your own boss and driving your own success.

About The Author:  Bob Hughes is a business broker in the Coachella Valley (Riverside County) and San Diego County areas assisting business buyers and owner/sellers throughout the Inland Empire. You can reach Bob by phone at 760-323-8311.

Categories: BizBen Blog Contributor, Deal And Escrow Issues, Due Diligence Issues, How To Buy A Business