Sell My Machinery and Metal Business

Source a competent buyer to maximise value of raw materials and machinery

How to sell a machinery and metal manufacturing business

If you are selling your machinery and metal business, the sale may have already been planned for a number of years so that you can present it to market at the optimum time, and in the best light.

This planning stage is crucial to ensure you reap the rewards of the time and money you have invested in your business, and also helps you to navigate through the various stages of the sales process with fewer problems.

Professional advisers for selling your business

The problems that you might face when selling a business can be addressed using professional help and support. This could be accountancy or legal help, for example, or business sales brokerage guidance.

The sale of a business requires close attention to detail throughout so that nothing is missed. Professional experience in the sector concerned, as well as an understanding of how the process works, can also make the difference between success and failure.

So before we look at the sales procedure in more detail, what are some of the challenges faced by your sector that could derail the process, or reduce the final price offered by a buyer?

• Fast-paced and an innovative environment

The innovative and dynamic environment in which manufacturing companies in general operate, can be both a blessing and a curse. The industry is constantly changing as new technology allows us to adopt faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective operational processes. But without the money to make such investments in new systems, it is easy for companies to fall behind and lose their market share to competitors.  

• Future trade with the EU

Brexit has brought into question the entire future of trade with the EU. As yet, nobody knows what will happen in relation to trade within the European Union – whether the UK will receive any form of preferential treatment – but whatever the outcome, prospective purchasers might be inclined to treat the situation with caution rather than a positive mindset.

• Increased cost of imports

The Brexit referendum resulted in a depreciation of the value of sterling, which in turn increased the cost of imports into the UK. This narrows profit margins and makes it more difficult for companies to increase profitability.

• Management of waste

Managing waste in this sector is an ongoing challenge. But maybe you have adopted the ‘lean’ methodologies that help to reduce or eliminate waste? If so, this could provide an attractive proposition for potential buyers as it is intended to reduce costs and make waste management practices more efficient.

• Regulatory compliance

Complying with ever-changing regulations and new legislation places an administrative, and ultimately financial, burden on machinery and metal manufacturing businesses. Without adhering to the regulations on waste management or sustainability, for example, the value of your business is likely to be lowered.

The importance of presenting your business well

When you place your business on the market, making sure it is performing at its best is key for a successful sale. But it can take a long time to reach this stage, especially if your business has failed to meet its statutory obligations in the past.

Perhaps your company has a chequered history with HMRC, involving penalties for late filing or payment of taxes, for example. If this is the case, it could lead to the value of your business being lowered in the eyes of a potential buyer.

Value my machinery and metal manufacturing business

The value of raw materials can fluctuate over time, similar to machinery as new models enter the market, so it’s important to value your business by an informed and experienced expert. At Selling My Business, we offer more than matching you with an appropriate buyer. Our in-house valuation team offer machinery and metal manufacturing business valuation services to calculate the value of your business. Valuing your machinery and metal manufacturing business is an important stage as it will indicate a possible sale price.

How much is my machinery and metal manufacturing business worth?

The Selling My Business valuation team will take you through how to value a machinery and metal manufacturing business so you’re in the loop throughout every stage of the process. They will take into consideration more than just the profit and loss statement, unlike other business transfer agents. We will analyse your overheads, gross profit margin and outstanding finance facilities to ensure that your valuation is accurate.

Considerations during the sale process

Warranties and indemnities

You may be able to negotiate a higher price for your business if you are prepared to provide warranties and/or indemnities to your buyer. These reduce the buyer’s risk in purchasing the business, but it is crucial to obtain professional advice prior to making any agreements.

 

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• Previous sales and acquisitions experience
• Sector specialisms and average success rate
• Sales value expectations and growth potential

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‘Earn out’ arrangements

An earn-out arrangement involves you staying on in the business after the sale has gone through. It can help the transition process, and means that part of the price paid for the business by the buyer is deferred, and depends on its future performance.

If you would like more information on selling your machinery and metal manufacturing business, our professional team at Selling My Business can help. Being experts in this sector, we are able to provide tailored advice  and ensure the selling process is handled professionally throughout. Please call one of the team to arrange a free consultation, where we can talk through the potential issues for your own business sale.