Selling a business is an economical, social and emotional event. This event can find even rugged individuals in new uncertain territory. Without awareness and preparation for these post-sale dynamics, business owners may become blindsided by ambiguity and derailed from finding a new purpose and a life after business. Let’s consider what some of these situations look like.

We constantly hear that small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of the Canadian Economy. Why is it then that both our Banking and Taxation systems seem to have it out for business owners? Instead of giving entrepreneurs the hand up to grow and expand their businesses, both our Banks and Revenue Canada seem to want to punish entrepreneurs. What do I mean?

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on M&A is multifaceted, influencing both the complexity and the underlying tools used for valuation, most notably discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples. However, its effects on private equity (PE) firms paint a complex picture, demanding nuanced analysis. I am not sure where they got this advice, but it is correct.

SME M&A Advisors sometimes state that they only work with Buyers that can write a cheque – now that is an enviable position for both the Buyer and Advisor! This speaks to the balance sheet capability of the Buyer but of course does not necessarily mean that the company acquisition will be funded with cash on hand. Maximizing efficient use of the Buyer’s corporate finance resources will dictate whether monetary assets on hand are to be deployed or whether debt and/or equity issuance will be required.

I recently spoke with a client about the nuances of selling a business. They emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality, advising that staff, suppliers, and other parties should not be alerted of the pending sale until necessary.

Strategic partnerships are quite common in several industries including manufacturing and distribution. These partnerships can come in many shapes and forms and can help you grow your business by accessing new markets, sharing resources and expertise that are beneficial to both parties.

We just completed the sale of a small manufacturing company whose 10,000 sq. ft. lease was about to expire, and the rent was increasing from $6.00 per sq. ft. to $13.50 per sq. ft. The annual base rent increased by $75,000 and the value of the business dropped by almost $400,000.

The future viewed from today is a lot more nebulous and challenging than it was yesterday. Your team needs to be adequately prepared for the future by having a clear understanding of the external threats and opportunities, as well as their internal strengths and weaknesses. With adequate preparation and a focus on the levers we can control, the opportunities are endless!

In a recession, ensuring your business has enough working capital is not only key to continuing to meet your day-to-day obligations to employees, suppliers, and customers – but it can also put you in a position to take advantage of opportunities to grow. How can I ensure my business is prepared for a recession?

The advantage of retirement is that it gives you the ability to live life on your terms and gain more control over how you use your time and invest your energy. Retirement has two facets to it: your life plan and your financial plan. Do you have a life plan?

The internet is continually changing, as is consumer behavior and the best practices in marketing. Staying up to date with digital marketing trends keeps you ahead of your competitors and ensures that you stay relevant with your customers. Today, many industries are embracing digital avatars. What is a digital avatar?

It’s an employee’s market right now. Candidates can pick and choose what companies they want to work for. If you’re not providing what employees want, you risk missing out on top talent. They will get it somewhere else, maybe even with your competitors. What are the top trends for attracting the best talent?