An investment in which a company or person buys a publicly-traded company, or, more commonly, most of the shares in that company. For example, if Corporation A buys 51% or more of Corporation B, then Corporation B becomes a subsidiary of Corporation A, and the activity is called an acquisition. A single investor may buy out a publicly-traded company; one calls this "going private." Acquisitions occur in exchange for cash, stock, or both. Acquisitions may be friendly or hostile; a friendly acquisition occurs when the board of directors supports the acquisition and a hostile acquisition occurs when it does not. See also: Antitakeover measure.
The old cliche about never having a second chance to make a first impression holds especially true when it comes to selling a business. That’s why Sigma spends so much time ensuring that your business is properly positioned and packaged--so that you’ll be able to squeeze every ounce of value out of your business and will get the optimal exit strategy you’re looking for. Learn more about how Sigma helps get you ready to sell.
Buyers aren’t necessarily hungry for the target companies’ hard assets. Some are more interested in acquiring thoughts, methodologies, people and relationships. Paul Graham recognized this in his 2005 essay "Hiring is Obsolete", in which he theorizes that the free market is better at identifying talent, and that traditional hiring practices do not follow the principles of free market because they depend a lot upon credentials and university degrees. Graham was probably the first to identify the trend in which large companies such as Google, Yahoo! or Microsoft were choosing to acquire startups instead of hiring new recruits,[36] a process known as acqui-hiring.
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Are you thinking about selling your business, but aren’t certain if the timing is right? Or are you already in the process of selling your business and want a second opinion on your asking price or need help finding qualified buyers? Sigma is glad to help. Since our founding in the 1980s, we’ve helped business owners in Dallas, Fort Worth and throughout Texas transition from owning a business to selling a business. Contact Us today for more information on how we can help. If your ready, fill out our Valuation Form for a Confidential Business Valuation.
Even mergers of companies with headquarters in the same country can often be considered international in scale and require MAIC custodial services. For example, when Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas, the two American companies had to integrate operations in dozens of countries around the world (1997). This is just as true for other apparently "single-country" mergers, such as the 29 billion-dollar merger of Swiss drug makers Sandoz and Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis).
The getting-ready process includes not only sprucing up your premises, but getting your numbers in good shape. Consider recasting your tax-return numbers for prospective buyers. This can involve, for example, adding back to your profits discretionary expenses such as medical insurance for you and your family, travel and entertainment, business vehicles, memberships and subscriptions, and salaries and bonuses paid to family members.
Finding the right broker and/or consultant to help you sell your business is crucial to your success. Often business owners go with the first person they meet just to list their business and get the process going. This can cost you time and money in the long run. Within a few months, you may see no results and have to go on the search all over again. Taking time to interview many brokers and looking at a realistic outcome of what is expected will get you going in the right direction.
