Searching to buy a business.
Contact key brokers who operate in your area of interest. Regularly check what's on offer through Internet sites
like www.nzbizbuysell.co.nz, newspapers and business magazines. If
you are seeking something specific, then get to know the appropriate trade
associations, and tell them you are interested in buying a business. Look to
advertise for what you want - ask your accountant or anyone else who may have
contact with potential business sellers? Be patient - it can take time.
Contact a Business Broker
Business Brokers are often used in selling businesses; they will be
happy to discuss your needs as a buyer and will generally have several
businesses on their books for sale at any one-time. Some specialise in
particular areas and will be able to offer industry advice and opportunities.
It is important to remember however that brokers work for the seller, and that
the better the sale price, the better their commission. No sale equals no pay.
Visit several brokers to gain a complete picture on what's on offer in your
area of interest. No one broker will hold all the options; develop a network
with key operators that can help you - they're a good resource. Make sure you
brief them well on what you are looking for.
Check the Internet
Go online and check out the Businesses for Sale on nzbizbuysell. Here you get to search
a database of New Zealand business for sale listings by specifying the type of business,
location, and price range. It accommodates both private and brokered sales -
you deal direct. If you cannot find what you are looking for, place a free ad
in the "Wanted to buy" section, or call one of the listed brokers and ask them
if they have any other listings. It is free to search, and has a number of
resources like this to assist you in buying your business. This is not the only
site, but is the most highly visited and widely used in the buying and selling
of New Zealand businesses.
Try the newspaper, trade journals and magazines
Search the classifieds section of your local newspapers. Adverts in these
periodicals charge per line and often don't describe businesses in any detail.
You will need to get busy on the phone to filter-out those that aren't
suitable. Some key questions will help; find out exactly what they're selling,
what their market is, what's the opportunity, why they're selling, and how they
have arrived at the asking price? This will eliminate many. Trade journals and
magazines are another place to look and will sometimes run a section on
business opportunities. Check those for the industries you are interested in,
as well as giving you a feel for what's going-on, they may have what you want.
Contact trade associations
Talk to the people running the trade associations you are interested
in (ask around or visit the library for a list of these). Contact the local
chamber of commerce. These groups may well be aware of people looking to exit
the industry, and should be able to provide you with a list of professionals
who specialise in your area of interest. Talk to these specialists - if they
can't help, they will usually know someone who can.
Check out your networks
Ask your lawyer, accountant, insurance broker, and any one else who
could be associated with potential business sellers. Don't rule out friends and
family. It may pay to be discreet - especially if you are still working and
don't want your job compromised.
Advertise or go direct
This way you can target specifically what you are after - you may know of some
desirable businesses to door knock, or just work through the Yellow Pages.
Alternatively advertise on the Internet or in the newspaper classifieds. There
are pros and cons to this approach. You could be the only one knowing the
business is for sale, and your timing may get you a bargain. Or you may find
yourself spending considerable time with an unrealistic and poorly motivated
seller. Numerous sellers will alter their expectations with time, having spent
many hours interviewing potential buyers. This is not easy but it can work.
Searching for that right business takes time, prepare key questions to get the
facts, and stick to your criteria to eliminate time wasters. Happy hunting!
Want the latest business listings every fortnight?
then check out
bizalert for the latest business for sale opportunities
Richard O'Brien is the Managing Director of nzbizbuysell - an online
advertising site dedicated to the buying and selling of New Zealand businesses.
To search for New Zealand Business Opportunities check out...
nzbizbuysell Business Opportunities
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