The Number One Thing That Determines the Sale Price of Your Business

The Number One Thing That Determines the Sale Price of Your Business
Chart showing the U.S. All Grades All Formulations Retail Gasoline Prices, 1994-present, with the Oct. 2014 price highlighted. U.S. Energy Information Administration
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In the past year, our company, Acceleration Partners, has been evaluating several potential acquisitions as part of our partnership with a private equity firm. Unfortunately, as we’ve connected with several first-time sellers in this process, it’s become clear that many founders don’t have an accurate sense of what their company is worth to a buyer.

Understanding Your Business’ Worth is Not Intuitive

Not knowing the accurate worth of a company is the position I found myself in many years ago before seeking advice from experienced owners who had been through the process. But, unfortunately, understanding your business’ worth is not intuitive.
Many founders, unfortunately, end up emphasizing the wrong metrics, turning off prospective buyers’ interest, and losing focus on the business itself.

The Number One Thing That Determines the Sale Price of Your Business

If you are serious about selling your business, one metric matters above all others: the market-clearing prices for similar businesses in your industry.