CONTACTING A COMPANY AFTER THE OWNER PASSED AWAY?
I am looking to reach out to a company after finding out that the owner has passed away, but I am unsure on timing and approach. I find that it could be insensitive to follow up immediately after and I also don't know the best way to say "I heard your father died lets talk about selling your business".
Adding:
-If you were in touch previously with owner, that is a good thing to mention when reaching out (e.g. you are continuing owner's vision of selling, not a vulture swooping in)
-Some additional research of what is going on is helpful (I was looking at an asset where the owner passed while looking to sell, and the wife stepped in and is likely to run the business for a period of time). BUT it could have been the opposite... the wife might have hated the business, not want/know how to run it, and want to sell faster
-Hopefully it is not going through probate as that may take a long time, and is likely going to create public records and notices that the competitors are more likely to pick up on and take advantage of
"I know there's probably no right time to do this, and I was so worried that I was being insensitive, however, I've always really liked what you all do and I'd be very interested in talking about buying it when the time is right for you all."