Contra Costa County Reports 36 Contra Costa Small Business For Sale Transactions

For Immediate Release:
 
Dublin, CA (February 12, 2013)—The total of 36 small and mid-sized Contra Costa business for sale offerings sold in Contra Costa County last month, represents a decline of about 16% from the 43 transactions registered in the county during January 2012, according to the BizBen Index. The company also reported the statewide business sales count in January was 1,179, down 3.6% from the 1,223 transactions completed during the same month last year.
 
"Although the year is off to a slower start in business transactions both in Contra Costa County and statewide, compared to last year, we remain optimistic that there will be more sales activity in the market this year than in 2012," said Peter Siegel, MBA, Founder and President of BizBen.com, parent of the BizBen Index. He defines a small business as one that sells for $2 million or less.
 
"Easier access to funds from financial institutions will be an important factor in a more active business for sale marketplace throughout the state. Financial institutions aren’t handing out cash like they did before the mortgage meltdown. But many are starting to loosen up on the purse strings and make loans for solid deals.
 
"And we’re seeing more innovative strategies being used by smart California entrepreneurs. Fresh approaches are needed to overcome some of the deal killers we’ve had to cope with in the past few years. This is a New Economy for people participating in the small business for sale market in California. And it comes with some new challenges. Those who are figuring out how to adapt to this environment are giving themselves an important competitive advantage."
 
Cities that led the county with four transactions each last month are Antioch, Danville, Martinez, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. There were three deals concluded in Concord, Pittsburg, Richmond and Brentwood.

Here are Contra Costa County’s January business sales figures, reported by city (found at
http://www.bizben.com/stats/contra-costa-county.php): Antioch: 4, Brentwood: 3, Concord: 3, Danville: 4, El Cerrito: 1, El Sobrante: 1, Hercules: 1, Lafayette: 1, Martinez: 4, Pittsburg: 3, Richmond: 3, San Ramon: 4, Walnut Creek: 4.
 
Despite the slowed sales pace last month, some of the state’s largest counties posted improved figures when compared to the previous January.  The total was 289 Los Angeles County transactions completed last month, up from the 268 sales rate in January 2012. Orange County posted 129 deals last month and 117 during the same month last year. The January-to-January comparison also was favorable in San Diego County, 132 vs. 95; and Santa Clara County, 47 vs. 43 deals.

"The long term picture for the California small business transfer market looks very promising," said Siegel. "More businesses are starting to become available for sale because members of the large population of baby boomer business owners are starting to retire.  And simultaneously, the demand curve is rising as more Californians are becoming disenchanted with the chances of continuous and high paying employment. They’re deciding to purchase fast food franchises, auto service shops, retail stores and other small companies so they can control their financial futures."

The California business sales totals for January 2013, by county, are noted below and available at: http://www.bizben.com/stats/stats-monthly-jan.php
 
Alameda: 32, Amador: 7, Butte: 4, Contra Costa: 36, El Dorado: 3, Fresno: 43, Glenn: 1, Imperial: 3, Kern: 27, Los Angeles: 289, Madera: 2, Marin: 4, Mariposa: 1, Merced: 6, Monterey: 14, Nevada: 5, Orange: 129, Placer: 11, Riverside: 50, Sacramento: 36, San Bernardino: 55, San Diego: 132, San Francisco: 31, San Joaquin: 16, San Luis Obispo: 24, San Mateo: 25, Santa Barbara: 13, Santa Clara: 47, Santa Cruz: 9, Solano: 7, Sonoma: 28, Stanislaus: 27, Sutter: 4, Tehama: 7, Trinity: 1, Tulare: 11, Tuolumne: 4, Ventura: 23, Yolo: 7.
 
The BizBen Index figures, showing the sales rates by city and county throughout the state for the past four years are accessed http://www.bizben.com/stats/stats-total.php.
 
The BizBen.com website features more than 8,000 California businesses for sale and businesses wanted postings, along with offerings of new franchises and business opportunities. Since 1994 this niche online network and service has proved a valuable tool for thousands of California business buyers, small business owners/sellers, intermediaries, and advisors. The site also includes articles, resources, news and tips, and a daily blog. For the past 16 years, its BizBen Index has collected and reported on all business sales statistics, by county and city, throughout the state.

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For More Information
Contact: Peter Siegel
Phone: 866-270-6278 or 925-548-1892