By Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa Many business owners focus almost exclusively on sale price. But seasoned sellers know that working capital—how much cash, inventory, and short-term assets stay in the business at closing—can quietly swing deal economics by hundreds of thousands of dollars. In lower middle market transactions especially, the working capital […]
exit
Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale: Navigating the Florida M&A Landscape
When you decide to sell your Tampa business, one of the most critical “forks in the road” isn’t about the price—it’s about the legal structure of the deal. In Florida, the choice between an Asset Sale and a Stock Sale can mean a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in your pocket after Uncle Sam takes his cut
Owner Dependence & Transferability: Why Buyers Discount Businesses That Can’t Run Without the Owner
One of the most common value leaks I see when business owners go to market isn’t revenue, margins, or even industry conditions—it’s owner dependence. Owners often believe their deep involvement is a strength. Buyers and lenders see it differently. To them, owner dependence represents execution risk, transition risk, and earnings risk. And risk is always […]
Timing Your Exit: Why Readiness Matters More Than the Market
Many business owners assume timing an exit is about watching the market—interest rates, buyer demand, or headlines about deal activity. In reality, the biggest determinant of a successful sale is not the market at all. These things matter of course but this is not a binary thing of you do x and get y. There is a far more heady issue at hand.
What Makes a Business Attractive to Buyers?
Understanding these factors isn’t just academic—it’s actionable. By focusing on areas where your business scores lower, you can make targeted improvements that will pay off when it’s time to sell. The more attractive your business, the more buyers you’ll attract, the higher the price you’ll command, and the smoother your exit will be.