Broker: Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa
Overview
Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors – Tampa successfully closed a strategic sale of a two-location day spa in the high-traffic resort area of Polk County, Florida. The deal was structured as a stock sale—an ideal format to support the buyer’s L-1 visa immigration process—and included seller financing to streamline approval and minimize cash outlay.
Deal Snapshot
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Listing Price | $350,000 |
| Final Sale Price | $350,000 |
| Deposit | $0 |
| Balance Due at Closing | $0 (seller-financed) |
| Deal Structure | Stock Sale + Seller Note |
| Actual Close Date | July 15, 2025 |
| Commission Rate | 10% |
| Total Commission | $35,000 |
| Sell Side Commission | $17,500 |
| Buy Side Commission | $17,500 |
| Co-Brokered | Yes |
Buyer Profile
The buyer was an international entrepreneur seeking to establish U.S. presence through an L-1 visa. The purchase of a functioning, revenue-generating business with multiple locations and existing staff made this day spa an optimal fit for visa approval. The stock sale structure preserved the business’s operating history—key for immigration authorities—while seller financing enabled a low-cash-entry solution for the buyer.
Seller Motivation
The seller was seeking a full exit from the business but was open to flexible terms. A seller-financed note allowed the seller to receive full value while creating a passive income stream and aiding in deal closure.
Results & Insights
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Immigration-Ready Structure: The stock sale format was critical in supporting the buyer’s L-1 visa petition by maintaining legal continuity and operational history.
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No Cash at Closing: Seller financing enabled the deal to move forward quickly with no money down.
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Full Asking Price Achieved: Despite the financing, the deal closed at full listing value—a testament to strong positioning and negotiation.
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Successful Co-Brokerage: Collaboration between both sides led to a smooth transaction, with commissions evenly split between buyer and seller representatives.
Broker’s Commentary
“Deals like this require more than just matching a buyer and seller. It’s about structuring a transaction that satisfies business, legal, and immigration requirements all at once. Our experience with visa-driven buyers and seller-financed structures gave this deal the momentum it needed.”
— Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors – Tampa
About Transworld Tampa
Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa, led by veteran broker Michael Shea, specializes in business sales across Florida with deep experience in visa-qualified transactions, seller-financed deals, and complex deal structures. Whether selling your business or buying your way into the U.S. market, Transworld Tampa has the experience and tools to get it done.
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 450 transactions. His credentials include the IBBA Certified Business Intermediary®, and most recently, the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA) credential.