Brokered by Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa Bay
Overview
On May 12, 2025, Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors successfully closed the sale of a business originally listed at $1.5 million, ultimately transacting for $1.1 million. This was not a straightforward deal — it was one of the most emotionally complex and personality-driven transactions of Michael’s career.
Despite the tension, through careful management, strategic communication, and the steady guidance of experienced attorneys, the deal reached the finish line — a win for both sides.
Deal Snapshot
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Listing Price: $1,500,000
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Final Sale Price: $1,100,000
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Commission Earned: $100,000 (9%)
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Buy Side: $50,000
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Sell Side: $50,000
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Close Date: May 12, 2025
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Referral Source: Financial planner
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Industry: Confidential
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Structure: All cash, no deposit or financing contingencies
Challenges
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Difficult Personalities: Negotiations were hampered by emotional responses, micromanagement, and adversarial thinking on both sides.
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Tension in Communication: Misinterpretation and distrust had to be constantly managed to avoid derailment.
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Price Drop: A nearly 27% discount from the original list price required delicate renegotiation and ego management.
What Made It Work
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Seasoned Legal Teams: The attorneys on both sides played a crucial role in de-escalating conflict and keeping the parties grounded in facts and outcomes.
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Broker Discipline: Michael Shea’s role was not just as a dealmaker, but as a steady hand in emotionally volatile waters — translating, softening, and redirecting communication to keep the deal moving.
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Referral Relationship: The introduction from a trusted financial planner lent credibility to the process and helped gain early trust with the seller.
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Objectivity Over Emotion: The team prioritized facts over feelings — when things got heated, focus returned to numbers, agreements, and the path forward.
Broker’s Commentary
“Sometimes the hardest deals are the most rewarding. Getting this one done required deep patience, emotional intelligence, and a sharp focus on reality. No deal happens in a vacuum — and having the right attorneys in place made all the difference.”
— Michael Shea, CBI | Transworld Business Advisors
Key Takeaways
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Emotion is often the biggest obstacle in deals over $1M. Knowing how to manage people is as important as managing numbers.
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Attorneys can make or break a deal. In this case, they made it — by keeping calm and focusing on the legal fundamentals.
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Referrals matter. A trusted professional can bridge early skepticism and help build momentum.
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Broker expertise is vital when personalities clash. This deal wouldn’t have closed without an experienced intermediary keeping everyone focused and protected.
If your deal is complex, your personalities are strong, or your goals feel out of reach — that’s where a seasoned broker makes the difference.
📞 Contact Michael Shea, CBI at (321) 287-0349
📧 mike@tworld.com
🌐 www.yourfloridabusinessbroker.com
Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa Bay – Where Real Deals Get Done.