Scott Balfour - Commercial and Business Broker

07/21/2026

07/21/2026

Exit planning. If you or anyone you know would like a a copy of tips for maximizing business value

A cartoon based reference guide for serious exit planning

Let me know

07/21/2026

Working on streamlining my Lead Generation. And automating as much paperwork as possible.

Wish me luck. If you have any ideas, throw them at me.

05/20/2025

Buyers like to find a strong company culture.

Not all businesses can afford the type of culture that is spotlighted in Silicon Valley companies like Apple and Google. But it is important that business owners pay attention to the environment that has been created in their companies.

A strong company culture can mean well-trained, motivated, long-term employees, something that all buyers for the business are looking for.

Call me at 207-838-5205 to learn more!

01/14/2025

Buyers and lenders will scrutinize EVERYTHING, especially questionable items on the financials. If there are items that do not make sense to outsiders, it can affect the value of the price of the business.

12/11/2024

Selling a business is usually not easy. It can be a complicated process because of all the many elements to a business - location, leases, equipment, employees, receivables, payables, etc., etc. The price of a business is obviously important, but so are the terms - how and when the payments are made. And there are the many issues in which the seller doesn’t always realize the ramifications of what can happen after the closing. It is critical for business owners to use an experienced Mergers & Acquisitions professional to understand the issues to make sure they are getting the best deal possible.

12/04/2024

If there is a minority shareholder in a business, he or she may need to be consulted before selling the company. It depends on the arrangement that was made. There may be a first right of refusal for the minority shareholder or other provisions in a buy-sell agreement or even timing issues to close a deal. Business owners who have minority shareholders need to review their agreement and consult with their attorney before going to market.

11/27/2024

Business owners don't always understand how business valuations are performed, and they oftentimes don't agree with the number. They first need to understand how their company's cash flow is computed. It starts with determining the "Add Backs" -- expenses that are added to the profits to derive EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) or SDE (Sellers Discretionary Earnings - used for smaller businesses).

11/20/2024

Business owners can manage their financials as they wish (within standard accounting principles). But when it comes time to sell their company, it becomes a whole new ball game. Buyers and lenders will scrutinize everything, especially questionable items on the financials. If there are items that do not make sense to outsiders, it can affect the value and the price of the business. It is a good idea to have a professional such as a mergers & acquisitions advisor or business broker perform a business valuation to determine present value and expose any area that could create a problem.

11/13/2024

There are many stories of partners, investors or spouses showing up right before closings or even at closings to express their opposition to the sale. Obviously, in those situations there are existing conflicts which have not been worked out between the parties. In the early stages of planning the exit of a business, the majority owner must make sure everyone agrees that they are willing to sell at an agreed upon price and terms and will be willing to sign the closing documents.