A better way to make offers for your next acquisition

professional profile

May 20, 2024

by a professional from University of Wisconsin-Madison - Wisconsin School of Business in Austin, TX, USA

When buying a business, don’t just present the seller with a single offer. Instead, present three different offers, using different mixes of total valuation, cash upfront, and transition time.

For example: Offer 1: $1M valuation, $700K cash upfront, 3-month transition time Offer 2: $1.2M valuation, $600K cash upfront, 2-month transition time Offer 3: $900K valuation, $800K cash upfront, 1-month transition time

Presenting multiple offers gives you flexibility in negotiations, creating a win-win deal for both parties.

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commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from Hofstra University in North Carolina, USA
Great point! However, I would maybe recommend not playing with the transition time because you may want the Seller to be more receptive to "post transition time" help and you're backing yourself into a wall by proposing that since they'll want more money if you continue to need their help....instead I propose that you mix it up with Seller Debt, or Earnouts, and/or guaranteed payments
commentor profile
Reply by a professional
from University of Wisconsin in Austin, TX, USA
Good idea! The third category can be swapped with a few different things.

Just important to add the 3rd bucket for the offers and negotiations
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