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* Vendor Terms
Sometimes a vendor will be willing to sell you
business on terms. For example, a 10% downpayment followed by future payments from
cashflow of
business. The vendor will usually retain a lien over
assets of
business until
purchase price is paid in full.
* Loans
There are various sources of loans. For small businesses, your best bet is probably not
major financial institutions. Try instead loans guaranteed by
U.S. Small Business Administration (or
equivalent in your country if outside
U.S.) and community banks.
* Third Party Loan Guarantees
If you're short on security, consider
possibility of a creditworthy friend or relative acting as surety.
* Credit cards
Credit card financing should generally be treated as a last resort but utilized judiciously, credit cards can be useful for cash flow purposes so long as
outstanding balance is paid off each month. Don't use them for asset purchases though.
* Family and Friends
Not a good idea for everyone, but consider asking family and friends to invest in your business.
* Asset Sale/Leaseback
Another good way to raise cash is to sell an asset you have acquired as part of
business to a friend or relative and have them lease it back to you. You free up your capital and your friend or family member has an asset-backed security.
* Redeemable Preferred Stock
A good option if your business is held by a corporation and you are prepared to give up ownership equity in exchange for capital. There are securities issues to be aware of here so be sure to consult your lawyer.
=> Cashflow Considerations
Be sure
business generates enough cashflow to cover:
* operating expenses; * your salary; * financing costs; and * a reasonable return on investment.
TRAPS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
If your acquisition takes
form of acquiring
shares in a corporation rather that a simple asset purchase, beware. In these circumstances,
legal entity doesn't change, only
shareholders do. This means that if
corporation has any undisclosed debts, pending lawsuits and
like, these can still be sheeted home to
corporation despite
change in shareholding.
In addition to these traps for
unwary, beware also of overstated earnings, poor employee relations, overvalued inventory and uncollectible receivables.
AVOIDING THE TRAPS
Fortunately there is much you can do to flush out these hidden traps before you commit yourself.
=> Get Professional Advice and Assistance
First and foremost, do NOT attempt to acquire a business without
professional assistance of your lawyer and accountant.
=> Contractual Indemnities
Your lawyer will no doubt try to include provisions in
purchase and sale agreement whereby
vendor indemnifies you for any liabilities accruing prior to
date of sale. The effectiveness of
indemnity as a protective mechanism depends on
solvency of
vendor.
=> Due Diligence
The best way to protect yourself is to educate yourself about exactly what it is you're getting yourself into. Your lawyer will guide you through
due diligence process which is nothing more mysterious than asking
right questions and making sure you get
right answers.
Here's a checklist of things that your lawyer will help you do during
due diligence period:
* Find out why
seller wants to get out of
business. * Review operating information. * Review all contracts to ensure there are no hidden liabilities. * Get a list of all
assets being sold including fixtures and equipment, patents, copyrights, trademarks etc. and make sure they are free of all encumbrances. * Get a schedule of all
debts of
business that you will be assuming. * Check
company's articles, bylaws and corporate minutes to ensure
company is what
vendor says it is. * Check to ensure
company is in good standing. * Get a list of shareholders as well as any special rights, stock transfer restrictions and pledges that may exist against
assets of
business or
stock. * Check all financial documents including bank statements, audited financial reports, and bank and financing agreements to ensure there are no undisclosed security interests. * Physical inventory and inspection of all assets.
Acquiring an existing business is a major undertaking and one which must be accompanied by competent, professional advice. Assuming that you complete thorough due diligence so that you understand EXACTLY what you're acquiring (liabilities as well as assets), you may well find that despite
funds you invest, it's
most cost-effective way to go!

Elena Fawkner is editor of A Home-Based Business Online ... practical home business ideas, resources and strategies for the work-from-home entrepreneur. http://www.ahbbo.com