Have Other Business Owners Had Successful Exits?
For Boomer owners, the clock, the demographic clock, is ticking. Boomer demographics, the Law of Supply and Demand,
the state of today’s Merger and Acquisition market, the current and historically low capital gains rate, and the
"Boomer Mindset" constitute the "perfect storm" for Boomer owners. This means that if you and your
business are ready to sell, there are opportunities in selling your business now and significant dangers if you delay.
There are approximately 78 million members of the demographic group born between 1946 and 1964. This group is
larger than any either before or after it. Group size alone has huge implications for Boomer owners as they think
about selling or transferring their companies.
The generation following the Boomers is known as Generation X or Baby Busters. This generation is defined by
the U.S. Census Bureau as those born between 1968 and 1979. In 2002, the Census Bureau estimated (based on its
2000 Census) that there were 59,802,658 people between the ages of 20 and 34. The direct effect of far fewer
potential buyers in the next generation gives additional import to the Law of Supply and Demand.
Various commentators and researchers believe there are more than four million owners of established businesses
who are at least 50 years old (Roger Winsby of Axiom Valuation Solutions, 2003) and that the average age of sellers
is about 56 (Robert Slee in June 2004 issue Journal of Financial Planning paraphrasing an IMAP survey).
According to a 2005 PricewaterhouseCoopers’ survey of 364 CEOs of privately held, fast-growing companies, "nearly
two-thirds . . . plan to move on within a decade or less: 42 percent within five years, and 23 percent in five to
ten years." ("Wide Majority of Fast-Growth CEOs Likely to Move On Within Ten Years, PwC Finds."
January 31, 2005.).
This kind of movement "could result in a glut of companies on the market, driving down valuations and giving new
leverage to buyers," said Laura Rich in "Seller's Market" (Inc. Magazine, May 2005).
Interestingly, the largest numbers of Boomers are not yet 50 years old. As these youngsters reach age 50 and
55 they too will be looking to sell their businesses—adding fuel (businesses) to the fire (the glut of businesses
for sale by age 50-60 Boomers). Avoiding this added supply means considering the sale of your business sooner rather
than later—provided of course that it is (and you are) ready for sale (intrinsic value), the sale cycle is appropriate
(extrinsic value), and it is large enough to be sold using the best sale process (promoted value).
The basic Law of Supply and Demand dictates that a glut of sellers will drive down prices. When (not if) this
happens, a limited number of dollars will be spent on only those businesses that present the least risk and the
greatest potential to the buyer.
Given that your exit from your company is likely to be the most significant financial event of your life, what are
you waiting for?
As a reminder, BEI derives no revenue (from any source, other than the sale of its own materials and seminars) from
this Web site. In return, we hope you will investigate this site, the materials we offer and help us generate better
statistics, Take The Exit Planning Survey!
(This will only take two minutes of your time!)
This Web site exists to meet your needs. If we aren't doing so, let us know.
Click here to contact us.
|
|
|
|
 Subscribe to The Exit Planning Review™
Receive a Complimentary Exit Planning Book
Attend a Complimentary Exit Planning Webinar
Talk to an Exit Planning Professional
Watch John Brown on MSNBC
| Most owners only have one chance to successfully transition out of
their business. |
|