Discussions > Discussion Details

Can A Business Seller Back Out Of Escrow If They Simply Change Their Mind?

Comments & Replies: 2 Views: 8119 Posted By: Joe Ranieri

Can a seller of a small business back out of an ongoing escrow? Probably, yes, it all depends how far along the escrow is, which will dictate how messy things will get for both owner & buyer. Joe Ranieri (Southern California Business Broker) gives his feedback with others on this BizBen Discussion.

Topics: Buying A Business, Deal Structures, Escrow Closing Issues, Selling A Business Tags: buying a business, escrow bulk sales, selling a business

Contributor: Joe Ranieri, Business Broker: LA, Orange Counties

Small businesses for sale transactions are known to have a low escrow closing rate, for a number of reasons, either landlord issues, franchisor qualifications not being met, or state and government agencies getting involved which could kill the deal, and this doesn't even include squabbles among buyer and seller over other issues that may arise. Most often it's the buyer who wants to cancel escrow, because the renegotiation of a new lease is not acceptable or they simply get cold feet and decide they don't want to buy the business. Many businesses are so difficult to sell and find the right buyer, and yet every so often, it's the seller who changes their mind and decides they don't want to sell, because perhaps they were getting a divorce and put the business up for sale but have since reconciled the relationship and want to keep the business, or a health issue has been cleared and they want to retain ownership. This can be maddening for both the broker(s) involved and buyer, and some buyers will ask, "Can they just do that?"

Can a seller back out of an escrow? Probably, yes, it all depends how far along the escrow is, which will dictate how messy things will get. If the lease has been signed by the buyer, then I'd suggest both buyer and seller talk with an attorney. The seller just backing out of the escrow, while all contingencies are being met would be a breach of contract. The only way they could do it legally is if it was specified to the buyer that this particular escrow is contingent upon the seller obtaining another business which is in escrow, etc. Most sellers have obtained a reasonable exit strategy by the time they are deep in escrow and have had their business on the market, but in life, things can and will change.

I use CAR (California Association of Realtor) forms for my transactions, but some brokers use their own forms, so I' d suggest that when a buyer signs contracts, to read them very carefully to make sure that there are no contingencies placed in by the seller. A buyer should also make sure to diligently sign every page. My contracts stipulate that issues between buyer and seller will be mediated before civil action takes place, in hopes that it can be worked out before it gets expensive. The seller may be on the hook for a buyer's legal fees, any inspection fee paid by the buyer during the transaction, and other fees, and so each party should consult with an attorney who specializes in the field of business litigation. The seller may also be sued by the business broker for a commission since they did find a ready and able buyer who was willing to go through with the transaction.

Can a judge force the seller to sell the business to the buyer? Probably not, but again each party should consult with an attorney. Of course, forcing someone to do something would garner a negative response, like objecting to do repairs that had previously been agreed upon by both parties or simply harming the goodwill of the business out of spite.

Contributor: Timothy Cunha JD: Business Broker, SF Bay Area

I advise parties to a transaction that, upon signing the contract of sale, the seller has an "absolute" obligation to sell, subject only to the buyer providing the consideration--the payment--provided in the contract. But, the buyer has only a "contingent" obligation to buy; contingent, for example, on lease transfer, on purchase financing, on satisfactory due diligence. If the seller backs out of the deal through no fault of the buyer, the seller could face "specific performance"--a court ordering the sale, could be liable for damages--the "loss of the bargain", and could be held responsible not only for all the buyer's fees and expenses, but also for the broker's commission. So the answer to "Can a seller back out on a deal?" is simple: Yes; but without fault on the buyer's part, that breach of contract is going to cost the seller dearly.

Helpful Resources To Assist In Selling And Buying California Businesses

Helen Yoo, New Century Escrow - Escrow Services In Southern California

New Century Escrow, Inc. is a fully licensed & bonded independent escrow company. Over 20 years combined experience in handling bulk escrow transactions. Multi-lingual staff that speaks your language, including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese. Call Helen Yoo direct at 626-890-1151.

William F. Ziprick, Attorney: Legal Services For Buyers And Sellers

Through creative problem solving, attention to detail, accessibility, & understanding that unnecessary delay is often a deal killer, I work closely with my clients and other professionals to consistently achieve a high rate of closings. Office: 909-255-8353, Cell: 509-951-7230.

Diane Boudreau-Tschetter: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - CA

California Business Escrow, Inc. is a full service independent escrow company serving all of California and has expertise in a wide range of escrows. Our team prides itself on providing an exceptional escrow experience. For more info phone Diane Boudreau-Tschetter at 888-383-3331 or 209-838-1100.

Shalonda Chappel: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - Southern California

Escrow services to brokers/agents, sellers, & buyers. Established 43 years. Extraordinary service. Experienced with handling difficult transactions. One stop for all your escrow needs: Bulk sales, lien searches, UCC searches, liquor license transfers, publishing & recording services. 951-808-3972.

Larry Larsen: Laundry Consulting, Brokerage, Insurance

I have over forty years of experience in the sales, ownership, management, and construction of coin laundries. He is a licensed broker active in the sale of coin laundries, a licensed insurance agent specializing in coin laundry insurance. Phone me at 714-630-9274 or 714-630-Wash.

Brad Steinberg, Business Broker: Laundromat Specialist

PWS is the leading laundromat broker in California. Since 1968 PWS has brokered over 2,500 laundromat sales. With over 90 employees dedicated to the coin laundry industry, PWS has 18 licensed agents, a 3 person in-house finance department, 10 service technicians and a 20 person parts department.

Michael Davidson, Business Broker - Southern California

Los Angeles Business Broker providing M&A quality services for Small Business Owners. We leverage our technology and expertise to Simplify & Expedite the Business Sales Process. Matching the right buyer with the right business is how we define success.

Chris Seaman, Business Broker: Southern California

Founded in 1994, First Choice Business Brokers has accelerated to become one of the most successful Business Sales Organizations in the world. Our team of agents have gone through extensive training to become experts in the field of business brokerage. Call Chris at 858-578-4111 for more info.

Related Articles, Events, Blog Posts, Discussions, Videos, Interviews

BizBen Podcast & Webinar: Business Purchase Financing And SBA Loan Options

Ever wonder what is involved in obtaining business purchase financing to buy a business or franchise? Peter Siegel, MBA who has over 25 years advising on all types of financing for business buyers in this BizBen Podcast & Webinar - SBA loans, Non-SBA Financing, Alternative Financing Sources.

Deposits With Business Purchase Agreements: How Much? Structure? Refundable?

Purchase agreements when buying or selling a small business can be tricky. A top Southern CA Business Broker discusses this topic including multiple strategies regarding deposits with business purchase agreements. Lee Petsas (Orange County Business Broker) at 714-363-044 contributes this blog post

Business Seller Mistakes Near The Close Of Escrow Can Tank A Deal To Sell

Let's be honest, typically it takes a while (6 months to a year) to sell a business, from listing to close of escrow, and so it's common that many sellers are anxious as the close of escrow nears with a buyer. Joe Ranieri (Business Broker) examines common seller mistakes owners should stay clear of.

Broker Explains Allocation Of The Purchase Price When Selling A Business

There are a handful of key asset categories in allocating or breaking down the purchase price allocation of a California business sale. Allocation is required to complete the transaction. In this blog post Lee Petsas (Orange County Business Broker) at 714-363-0440 covers asset allocation classes.

Business Purchase Financing: SBA Loans & Non SBA Financing Solution Services

I provide niche business purchase financial advisory and loan placement services with SBA and Non-SBA Financing, Retirement Fund Rollover Solutions, Combo Financing Packages, etc. To get more information about getting Pre-Qualified & more info on the ProBuy/ProSell Programs: 925-785-3118 Direct.

Millennial Buyers: What Are They Seeking When Buying A Small Business?

First, we must define, who are the Millennials? The exact years are up for debate, but Millennials were born during approximately between 1981-1986, which today would be between 22 and 37 years of age. Joe Ranieri looks at what these buyers are looking for and what qualities they seek in businesses.

Business Purchase Financing Help - Expert Tips For Faster SBA Loan Approvals

Business purchase financing advisor Peter Siegel, MBA shares his views on SBA loan financing. He explains the nuances of the SBA loan process when considering business purchase financing or getting pre-qualified. Reach Peter Siegel, MBA direct at 925-785-3118 regarding SBA & Non SBA Loan Financing.

Thinking About Selling A Small Business? Know These 8 Factors That Matter

The likelihood of selling a business is often determined by external factors in the marketplace. Here are eight influences on how easy, or difficult it might be when selling a small California business. Peter Siegel at 925-785-3118 (BizBen ProSell Program) explains these factors for owner/sellers.