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How to sell a manufacturing business
Selling a manufacturing business can be a complex process given the issues intrinsic to the industry. With the correct advisors, however, you can reduce your chances of facing deal-changing problems, and achieve your principle goals.
So what issues might derail your plans for sale, or introduce doubt into the mind of a potential purchaser?
Market valuation
Manufacturing companies can be complex enterprises to value, so it is crucial to appoint a valuer with a financial background in the industry, who will incorporate the worth of your fixed assets, inventory, and goodwill into their appraisal, rather than providing a valuation based on other businesses in your sector.
Negotiations and due diligence
Your buyer will carry out due diligence to ensure they are making a sound investment. Due to the detailed nature of these investigations it is advisable to draw up a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement to be signed by interested parties, in order to protect your business.
In particular, the prospective purchaser and their advisers will scrutinise your accounts, but you may want to undertake your own due diligence before putting the business up for sale. This will allow you to spot any likely concerns that the buyer could refer to, and act to redress problems before they threaten to reduce the company’s value.
With this in mind, which areas of a manufacturing business might benefit from closer inspection?
Maintenance of hard assets
Ongoing maintenance of equipment is a significant cost in manufacturing, but failing to adopt a ‘preventative’ strategy can cause unnecessary downtime in the long-run. This will be reflected in income levels and overall profitability when you are trying to sell your business.
Value my manufacturing business
If you’re at the stage of sourcing a seller for your manufacturing business, the next step is to value your company to calculate the worth. The Selling My Business, in-house, valuation team are on hand to provide a manufacturing business valuation service to help you achieve market value or more. We have professional relationships with over 10,000 buyers across the country interested in acquiring businesses across a multitude of sectors and ranging in turnover, so we’re confident that we can source a buyer for your business.
How much is my manufacturing business worth?
The Selling My Business team will thoroughly explain how to value a manufacturing business and take you through the required information to carry out the valuation. SMB will guide you beyond the valuation process, helping to source a buyer through both online and offline targeted advertising campaigns. We have over 60 years’ experience in selling businesses, so you can count on SMB to facilitate the sale of your business.
- Previous sales and acquisitions experience
- Sector specialisms and average success rate
- Sales value expectations and growth potential
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"As a manufacturer of ethically sourced, unisex jeans, I was on the lookout for a buyer who shared a similar vision. The Selling My Business team maximised exposure and secured a suitable buyer, making the process hassle-free."
Chris - Jeans Manufacturer, Burnley
Managing innovation
Making sure that new and innovative products hit the market on an ongoing basis, and at the right time in relation to market demand, is essential for manufacturers to ensure steady revenues. There may be a temptation to cut corners in order to be first to market with a new product, but the ensuing compromise on quality can ultimately result in a lower selling price.
Increased regulation and compliance
Manufacturers must comply with ever-increasing regulation in areas such as waste management and sustainability. These are essential concerns for the wider environment, as well as being vital components for a safe and ethical operation.
But the associated ‘red tape’ can be a significant burden and strain on resources. Some organisations have developed departments dedicated purely to dealing with regulatory compliance, to stay one step ahead of ongoing requirements.
If this is the case with your business, you will instil confidence in your buyer that the operation is prepared for unexpected regulatory issues in the years to come.
Letter of Intent and Final Sales Agreement
Once the due diligence process is complete, and assuming that the buyer wishes to continue in the process, a Heads of Term agreement can be drawn up. Also called a Letter of Intent, this document lays out more detailed terms and conditions of the sale/purchase, including the method by which you will be paid.
It will also detail any requirement for you to continue in the business for an agreed time post-sale. When negotiations are complete, and terms agreed, the final sales and purchase agreement can be signed.
If you need more detailed information about the sale of your manufacturing business, our experts at Selling My Business can help. We are industry specialists and will provide the professional advice needed at this crucial point. Call one of the team for an initial same-day consultation free-of-charge.
Meet the Selling My Business team
Essential Guide to Selling Your Business
Contemplating selling your business? Our free, comprehensive guide will walk you through how you can sell your company. Our FREE guide covers all of the essentials, including:
- Are you appointing an experienced advisor?
- Are you giving your business a realistic sales price?
- Will all potential buyers for the business be approached?
- How much will the sales process impact business performance?
Plus much more...
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