 | Steve Fischer is the president of Advantage Business Group in Wichita, an owner in the VR Business Brokers network of offices. With national and global reach, VR is one of the nation’s premier networks of professional business intermediaries. A life-long Kansan and previous business owner, Steve’s office exemplifies the service and professionalism that a business brokerage provides to the buyer and seller in today’s market. To learn more, visit www.VRplains.com or www.VRBB.com. Steve can be reached by phone at 316-262-8722. |
Business
2009-12-01 08:17:00
Selling and buying a business
Answer: To put it simply, a business broker is to a business what a realtor is to a home. When a business owner reaches the point that he no longer wishes to continue as an owner, he needs a person or group to turn to. A business broker fills this need.
There are many individuals who will help sell a business as a service of their existing office but a professional business broker specializes only in helping people buy and sell businesses. They don’t split their focus. They are trained in evaluation and pricing businesses, qualifying and working with prospective buyers, negotiations, and structuring transactions. While they may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, many brokers are previous business owners themselves. They can either work as sole proprietors or as part of a national network.
To the seller, a broker can be an invaluable asset. Working to determine the value of the business, confidentially marketing, qualifying and screening buyers and unbiased negotiations are just some of the services that they perform. In many cases, the broker becomes a silent partner, focusing on the sale while the owner maintains regular operations. As the business navigates through the transfer process, it is imperative that the norm be maintained. A good broker allows this to happen.
To the buyer, a broker can be equally invaluable. Many entrepreneurs have the desire to be their own boss but don’t know where to start. A business broker works to educate and inform buyers not only about a specific business, but businesses in general. When a buyer finds the perfect business, the broker also works with them to ensure that all of the requirements are met as they successfully navigate through the transfer process.
The transfer of the ownership of a business can be stressful, time-consuming, involved and complicated. A business broker can make this process much more tolerable and manageable.
Steve Fischer is the president and owner of the VR Business Brokers office in Wichita. With an established network of offices across the country, the VR Business Brokers network has sold more businesses in the world than anyone. As a previous business owner, Steve symbolizes the value and relationships that a professional business broker can bring to the buyer and seller in today’s market. Steve can be reached by phone at 316-262-8722 or e-mail at sfischer@vrplains.com.
