A brief guide to merges, acquisitions, and commercial real estate.

According to media, Baby Boomers are retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day. Many own businesses and/or commercial real estate that will be faced with developing an exit plan. I wanted to write a book that helps these sellers by introducing them to what is involved in selling their businesses and/or commercial real estate. I have also included real-world case studies and a snapshot of what the original analysis for the business and/or commercial real estate was before it was listed, and what it actually sold for.

Accounting and management are two of the business's most crucial components that must be correct before attempting to create an exit plan. Without a strategic plan to exit or sell the business and/or commercial real estate, the seller will be at a huge disadvantage.

Since the dawn of time, buyers have sought the lowest price advantage. Likewise, sellers also wish to sell their businesses and commercial properties for the highest possible price, including their potential. Several sellers try to price and represent the sale of their business and real estate by themselves. I sincerely advise them to start learning as much as they can before offering the business for sale.

The biggest reason I can give a seller for hiring a broker or intermediary to represent them is this: a buyer can be upset with a seller, and a seller can be upset with a buyer, but the deal can still be done if the broker/intermediary is doing their job properly. If the buyer and seller interact directly with each other, the deal may be over before it starts. Personalities are what make us all human. A broker or intermediary can bridge that gap by listening and reacting in a professional manner with both parties. A transactional broker should act as an impartial third party in a deal. Although they provide assistance during the buying process, a transactional broker does not represent either the buyer or the seller. Their role is to help both the buyer and the seller complete the process.

I will explain some ideas about valuing a business and commercial real estate, and the differences between a stock sale and an asset sale. I'll discuss financing sources, ideas about raising money, and methods to bring on financial partners. This book is only a very small sample of what is fully involved. Without basic knowledge of what is involved in a transaction, the seller can be taken advantage of. Don't be that person. Take some time to listen to what I offer. There is nothing that I have created in this book other than the transactions I write about. More importantly, I hope to offer a glimpse of the knowledge and experience that I have accumulated over my past 40 years.