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.

The William Bruce Report: A Quarterly Summary of the Private Business-for-Sale Marketplace

Posted on August 13, 2022 by William Bruce

The William Bruce Report: A Quarterly Summary of the Private Business-for-Sale Marketplace is a disclosure of the condition of the national market from insiders who are professional advisors to business buyers and sellers. Because this private business-for-sale marketplace is comprised … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 trying to value a small business, are you confused about which earnings metric to use?  There are at least six earnings computations, including: SDE – Seller’s Discretionary Earnings EBIT – Earnings Before Interest and Taxes EBITDA – Earnings Before … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , | 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 →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Are the Differences Between EBITDA and Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)?

Posted on August 24, 2020 by William Bruce

The differences between EBITDA and Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) cause confusion.  Sometimes the two terms are incorrectly viewed as interchangeable, but there are important differences. First, some definitions.  Both are business performance benchmarks that are widely used in valuing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Considering Buying a Business? Here Are the 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions.

Posted on August 3, 2020 by William Bruce

The most frequently asked question by individuals who are considering buying a business and answers by William Bruce, President, American Business Brokers Association. Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Here’s a List of the Best and Worst Franchises Ranked by SBA Loan Default Rates

Posted on June 29, 2020 by William Bruce

This is an article by William Bruce containing a list of the best and worst franchises as ranked by SBA loan default rates. Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Franchises, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Buying or Selling a Business? Use These 7 Negotiating Tips.

Posted on May 26, 2020 by William Bruce

Once an initial and contingent written offer to buy or sell a business has been made, the transaction usually enters the negotiation phase. The negotiation phase is really not complicated. Most likely you’ve already bought a car and/or a home. The negotiations over the price of a business are similar. Here are seven suggestions to help.
Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Buying a Business? Here’s How to Write a CONTINGENT Offer.

Posted on May 18, 2020 by William Bruce

Let’s say you have looked at several businesses for sale and narrowed it down to the one that you want to pursue. You think you might want to make an offer on this business, but you’re not quite sure. You have a little anxiety about the unknowns. You wish you had more in-depth details on the business. This blog post shows you how to handle the situation like a pro. Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , , | 176 Comments

What Are the Rules of Thumb for Business Valuation?

Posted on May 11, 2020 by William Bruce

Estimating the value of a business based on appraisal rules of thumb and guidelines using a multiple of cash flow or a percentage of revenue. Continue reading →

Posted in Business Valuation & Appraisal, Valuing, Buying or Selling a Business | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 206 Comments