This transaction highlights the successful cross-border acquisition and visa transition of Papen Local Movers. As a result of this deal, an international buyer completed their relocation and established business ownership in Florida.
Transaction Summary
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Business: Papen Local Movers
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Listing Price: $240,000.00
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Final Purchase Price: $235,000.00
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Deal Representation: Dual Representation (Buyer and Seller)
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Transaction Structure: Standard asset sale, 100% equity funded (no third-party lender, SBA, or seller financing)
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Closing Date: August 31, 2026
The Challenge
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A Multi-Year Timeline: We established initial contact with the Belgian buyer more than two years before closing. Consequently, the deal required steady engagement and long-term relationship management.
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Immigration & Visa Delays: The purchase depended entirely on U.S. immigration visa approval. However, administrative backlogs in Belgium caused significant processing delays.
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Stakeholder Fatigue: The domestic seller wanted a prompt exit, but the foreign buyer faced consular delays. Therefore, keeping both parties aligned required proactive communication to prevent deal fatigue.
Strategy & Execution
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Dual-Sided Coordination: Because we represented both parties, we maintained transparent communication. This eliminated friction between outside brokers and kept goals aligned during long waiting periods.
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Active Timeline Management: The original schedule called for an April 2026 due diligence deadline and a July closing. When visa delays occurred, we promptly amended contracts and closing dates. This protected earnest money deposits while keeping the deal intact.
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All-Cash Structuring: We structured the transaction without bank debt or SBA underwriting. As a result, we eliminated institutional financing risks and focused solely on visa approval and operational handover.
The Outcome
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Successful Closing: The business closed on August 31, 2026, at $235,000—within 2.1% of the original $240,000 asking price.
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A Clean Transition: The seller achieved a clean exit with full cash settlement at closing. Meanwhile, the buyer secured their visa approval and began operating their new business in Florida.
Michael Shea represents the Tampa Florida Transworld office. In business since 2005, he has established a reputation as a trusted business broker across Florida’s key markets- from Tampa to Orlando, Melbourne, and more. Over the past two decades, Michael and his team have closed over $1 Billion in sold business volume and presided over more than 476 transactions. His credentials include the IBBA Certified Business Intermediary®, and most recently, the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA) credential. He is also a Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker and Business Brokers of Florida Board Certified Intermediary . Shea is a member of the VRMA and a recognized expert in property management and vacation rental management business sales