Do thoughts of selling your business ever cross your mind? As a business owner you

certainly know that the day will come when you will walk away from your company’s

operations. Selling your business will likely be one of the biggest decisions of your

business life.

No doubt you have a good idea of what your business is worth. But there are many

factors to consider when putting your company on the market. Is now the best time to

sell? Should I look for a cash deal or should I consider certain terms? What about

confidentiality?

Working with a professional business intermediary will provide the expertise to help you

make those decisions. Consider teaming with a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), a

professional who fully understands what it takes to successfully sell a business. A CBI

can bring significant value to the complex process and help you complete a sale that will

include the best possible value and some peace of mind.

A Certified Business Intermediary, or CBI, is the designation awarded by the

International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) to members that have met certain

educational requirements and ethical standards. IBBA, with 1,950 members worldwide,

is the largest international, non-profit association operating exclusively for the benefit of

people and firms engaged in the various aspects of business brokerage and mergers and

acquisitions.

A CBI is an experienced, proven professional whose claim of competence is supported

and documented. With the skills necessary to handle the marketing, negotiations and

complex details involved, a CBI can successfully complete the purchase or sale of your

business.

To earn the CBI designation, an IBBA intermediary must meet the following

requirements:

brokerage courses offered through IBBA and must demonstrate an ongoing

commitment to professional development through continuing education and

recertification.

knowledge gained through practical experience with a combined minimum of

three years experience and education in business brokerage.

through the completion of required courses and the passing of its respective

examination.

the code to his or her business practices.

A higher level of education and training means that a CBI will have more access to

people and information than other business brokers. A CBI has professional affiliations

with hundreds of other intermediaries in addition to the most current industry information

regarding taxes, government and legislation.

A CBI’s experience and knowledge of current marketplace conditions is critically

important for anyone looking to sell a business. If you are considering the sale of your

business, you need every advantage you can garner, primarily preparation, experience

and knowledge.