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I appreciate this opportunity to reach out to all of you.  I am a Senior Recruiter, working with Honeywell.  We currently have openings for two (2) Sr. M&A Managers, preferrably with expertise, in the refining/chemical industry.  Any guidance, resources, leads or recommendations will be appreciated.  Please send response to carol.neubert@honeywell.com.  Thanks so much!

Hey everyone, what's up? My name is Sam and I'm new to the forum. I just wanted to say hey.. I hope I posted this in the right section.. if not, mods please feel free to move it.

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I'm glad you find M&A interesteing.  To address your question, I would suggest that you tell your client you will not close without an attorney!

Generally, it is illegal for non-attorneys to draft legal documents and you are also opening yourself up to liability after closing for providing such poor advice.

You would be much better off to get both an accountant and attorney involved in the deal.  Normally, the seller should pay these fees and they are exclusive of the fees paid to you upon closing rather than deducted from them.

I am in Real Estate... Business brokering is not what I'm used to, but I do find M & A very interesting. 

I was approached with an opportunity to help a guy sell his company here in Aruba and it's a legitimate business w/ solid current standing and growth potential.

With my contacts, I was able to get some bites so now that things are more serious, I want to get him under contract.  I really would prefer not to pay a lawyer to draw one up so are there any brokers out there that have a sample Business Broker agreement?
If this were an ongoing venture, I would make the investment, but it isn't.... Can anyone help?

It's Monday and my clients will rarely call before 10:00a.m... So, here's a wide-open question for you. What happens to most of the small businesses needing to sell that fall below the minimum amount that most brokers want to deal with? We all know that it takes about the same effort to sell a $50,000.00 or $500,000.00 deal. Are there brokers out there willing to go through the process for a smaller fee?

well there are brokerage firms who specialze in small to mid-sized firms..sunbelt busness sales & acquistions handles deals for ultra small business, check it out

how about speaking to a business brokerage firm that does valuations? that way you can get correct valuation to make your decision.

I am looking to sell my business.  What questions should I ask when interviewing business brokers to represent me?  How do I know a "good" broker?

Thanks,
Frank

well you need to check the experience of your brokers, check how many deals have they closed, get testimonials and references of their latests sales, speak to clients to find how how satisfied they were with their services, check out their marketing strategies, how they will handle the sale..initial consultation is generally provided free of cost..so speak and gather as much information to make comparision and make the best choice..

The functions you will perform are the basics of representing Buyers as a broker and/or intermediary.  Some people use the word "consultant".

Most states do not regulate theses function but some do and regardless of what you call yourself you need to be licensed.

That being said,  fees can range widely depending on the size and number of transactions and scope of services you will be providing.  Will this be an exclusive or non-exclusive buyside arrangement?

For M&A work, the Lehman formula is a commonly used fee structure.

I would appreciate any suggestions regarding how to compensate an intermediary for making the initial contact with a target company on behalf of a buyer.  In addition, the intermediary will strategize with the buyer on how to approach the target company, will serve as a liaison during the process and may be involved in the negotiations.  The intermediary is not a business broker but, he is a niche consultant who operates in the industry of the buyer and target.   Thank you.

you should look to other professionals you trust (lawyer, CPA, maybe banker) and get them involved in the process. References are good, but most professionals have done enough deals that they can steer you to the "homeruns".

Whoever you choose or narrow it down to, you should understand and believe in their methodologies and procedures. This is a team effort, if you don't feel you and the broker/M&A person make a good team, next.

Good luck,

Chris Curtin
www.bankersadvocate.com