Category Archives: Business Valuation & Appraisal

A discussion of the issues involved in valuation / appraisal of a business by William Bruce, president of the American Business Brokers Association.

Seller Financing in the Sale of a Business Now Used in the Majority of Transactions

Posted on August 10, 2026 by William Bruce

My colleague Eric Gall has just published an excellent update on the use of partial seller financing in the marketplace for privately held businesses. Eric writes, “For buyers, seller financing lowers the cash needed at closing and can close the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged Eric Gall, seller financing, William Bruce Business Broker | Leave a comment

The State of America’s Restaurant Industry in 2026: Consumer Trends Every Owner and Investor Should Know

Posted on July 13, 2026 by William Bruce

By William Bruce As a business broker, I’ve been involved in restaurant valuations and ownership transfers for over three decades. Although restaurant operators continue to face rising labor costs, food inflation, insurance increases, and shifting consumer expectations, Americans have not … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, National economy, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged Consumer trends in restaurants, Restaurant trends in 2026, William Bruce Business Broker | 1 Comment

An Insider’s Report: What’s the Condition of the Business-for-Sale Marketplace?

Posted on June 15, 2026 by William Bruce

Whether you’re buying or selling a privately held business, or just want to keep up with what’s going on in the market, this article contains timely information on the condition of the business-for-sale marketplace. The most authoritative source of accurate … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Mobile, Fairhope & Gulf Shores, Alabama, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged The William Bruce Report, William Bruce Business Broker | Leave a comment

What is Business Goodwill?

Posted on April 20, 2026 by William Bruce

As the owner of a business advisory firm, I’m often asked about goodwill. My firm is involved in valuing and assisting clients in the transfer of ownership of small to medium size businesses. Goodwill is an issue we encounter in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged Business goodwill, Components of goodwill, Goodwill, Goodwill value, William Bruce | Leave a comment

EBITDA Valuation Multiples Are Rebounding for Privately Held Businesses

Posted on September 3, 2024 by William Bruce

By William Bruce This latest information on the EBITDA valuation multiples comes to my office from DealStats Value Index Digest, which is one of our most authoritative resources. The DealStats database contains the larger transactions where Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, National economy, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged EBITDA for HVAC businesses, EBITDA for manufacturing businesses, EBITDA valuation multiples, William Bruce Business Broker | Leave a comment

The Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates. What Does This Mean?

Posted on June 14, 2023 by William Bruce

Updated October 8, 2024. Interest rates are in the news. Last month, the Federal Reserve Bank lowered the Federal Funds Rate by one-half point, which was more aggressive than the predicted quarter point. The rate is now at 4.75 percent. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | 2 Comments

Why Some Small Businesses Don’t Sell

Posted on January 10, 2023 by William Bruce

As a business broker for over 35 years, I’m often asked why some small businesses don’t sell. It’s a sad situation when a business owner reaches retirement and can’t find a buyer for their business. Too many times, they just … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged Why some small businesses don't sell | 2 Comments

Seven Reasons to Retain A Business Broker When Selling Your Business

Posted on March 7, 2022 by William Bruce

You’ve probably spent years building your business. And so, when it comes time to exit, how can you increase the chances of a successful transition? Retaining an experienced business broker is a good place to start. Our friends at Hatchit.us … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | 2 Comments

Small Business Valuation Multiples Explained

Posted on February 20, 2022 by William Bruce

In the complex area of small business valuations, are you confused about which earnings valuation multiple to use? There are at least six earnings computations, including: SDE – Seller’s Discretionary Earnings EBIT – Earnings Before Interest and Taxes EBITDA – … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged Business valuation multiples, EBIT, EBITDA, SDE Seller's Discretionary Earnings, Small business valuation, When to use SDE or EBITDA, William Bruce Business Sales & Acquisitions | 1 Comment

Should You Sell Your Business Now or Wait?

Posted on December 1, 2020 by William Bruce

We’re living in strange times with the pandemic, a record number of hurricanes and a change of residents in the White House. So if you’re considering exiting your business, it’s natural to wonder if you should sell your business now … Continue reading →