PGP Advisory’s Business Beat – November 2024
Successful Closing of Professional Service Business in the Real Estate Industry
Closing Alert: PGP Advisory served as the exclusive sell-side advisor for a professional services business in the real estate industry who was acquired by a private equity-backed strategic in the space. Deals are more than dollars. Our client successfully executed an exit to an acquirer with similar values and views on talent and client relationships.
This transaction underscores PGP Advisory’s commitment to facilitating strategic growth and value creation through M&A deals. PGP Advisory specializes in guiding clients through the complexities of business sales and acquisitions, offering expertise in valuation, negotiation, and transaction management. The firm is dedicated to ensuring that each deal aligns with our client’s strategic objectives.
We wish both the seller and buyer success in the next phase of their journey!
Discover Global Markets: The Americas – Austin, TX
PGP Advisory and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council (TCRDEC) supported the US Commercial Service’s Discover Global Markets event in Austin, TX last month. Jason moderated a fireside chat with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Arun Venkataraman at the Discover Global Markets- Austin (DGM) event hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service where we explored the potential economic impact going global has on small and medium sized businesses and their communities. This event focused on building relationships with U.S. Commercial Service representatives in Central and South America as a primer for the upcoming Trade Winds trade mission to Brazil in 2025.
As companies in central and south Texas continue to consider avenues for growth, selling your products and services into markets outside the US is one of the less talked about pathways. The US is the world’s largest economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of ~$27 trillion, but we account for only about 25% of the global GDP which exceeds $100 trillion. There is a huge opportunity for companies and communities to grow by tapping into the entire global economy; imagine finding new markets with strong demand for the products and services you already deliver! Explore new avenues for value creation because they can have a substantive impact when it’s time to exit your business.
Become Your Own Boss: A Roadmap to Success as a Business Advisor
Join us on this webinar- TODAY- where Jason will be a featured guest alongside Karl Barham at Transworld Business Advisors of Atlanta Peachtree discussing the journey to becoming a successful Business Advisor.
📅 When: November 7th, 4:00-5:30 pm (Central Time)
📍 Where: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
🔗 Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3BNv0yV
This session will help professionals who are considering a career shift into business advisory services. Participants will discover the opportunities in areas like mergers and acquisitions (M&A), business brokerage, business valuation, exit planning, and growth strategies. Learn how you can successfully make the leap. Spots are limited— Secure your seat now!
PGP Advisory is thrilled to be featured in the TCRDEC’s Next Level Exporters digital publication. This publication is shared around the world with U.S. Embassies every month, through May 2025. Our Managing Partner, Jason Brown is the Executive Chair of the TCRDEC.
PGP Advisory Featured in Next Level Exporters Publication
The Texas Camino Real District Export Council’s primary objective is to support economic development and job creation in the Central/South Texas region through education, community outreach and trade policy advocacy related to international trade. Thanks to guidance from the U.S. Commercial Service, PGP Advisory began to intentionally engage in cross-border transaction activity. The Next Level Exporter digital publication features successful small and medium sized businesses who export products or services overseas. The publication will be distributed to U.S. Commercial Service representatives in embassies around the world creating, connecting the innovative companies and capabilities in our region with new customers globally.
Are you a central/south Texas company that currently exports overseas and are looking to enter additional markets? Reach out to learn more about how to have your profile added to the Next Level Exporter.
Click Here to View the Next Level Exporter Publication.
Active Deals
Off-Market Med Spa Transaction
UNDER CONTRACT
PGP Advisory is currently facilitating the sale of a multi-site Med Spa business.
Exclusive Opportunity: Two Profitable SA Bars with Multiple Income Streams for Sale
Price: $750,000
Location: Northeast San Antonio
Cash Flow: $383,000
MOTIVATED SELLER – REFERRAL FEE FOR PARTNERS WHO BRING BUYER
A unique opportunity to start or scale a bar portfolio with these two (2) profitable neighborhood bars located ~20 minutes apart. Both venues feature multiple income streams. A welcoming atmosphere, well-trained bartenders, and exciting entertainment keep loyal patrons coming back for more.
San Antonio Ice Cream and Retail Location
COMING SOON
Please let us know if you would like to be added to our exclusive preview group for this business. Ideal for a buyer looking for a lifestyle business, potential E-2 visa candidate, or existing owner of a d looking to expand. The ability to manufacture product on-site combined with an attractive retail location make this an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
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PGP Advisory’s Business Beat – December 2023
Entrepreneur’s Corner: Why You Should Address Your Company’s Weaknesses Head On
It is easy to get consumed with the urgent issues in our business. Carve out time each day, week, month, to “work on the business”. This investment of time will ultimately position your business to deliver the long-term results that are most important to you.
“SWOT”- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats- analysis is an important tool to help set direction for your business. Identify and fix the root causes of these issues will result in a stronger business that will pay dividends for you (time/profit), your customers(improved service), and employees (greater satisfaction).
SiriusXM’s The Reecie Colbert Show Interview with Entrepreneur Jason Brown
Jason Brown, Managing Partner of PGP Advisory, stopped by The Reecie Colbert Show to share his expertise with aspiring and current entrepreneurs.
Learn how PGP Advisory helps business owners:
- – Understand and achieve their goals.
- – Prepare for the inevitable reality- Everyone will eventually exit their business. The only question is on whose terms.
Life and business is about ideas. Successful entrepreneurs seek out new ideas and constantly learn, adapt, and grow.
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast!
The Importance of Developing Sales Forecasts
PGP Advisory attended the North San Antonio Chamber Coffee and Conversations at Magnolia Pancake Haus featured LindaRatner, an accomplished business owner, master coach, and sought-after speaker.
Linda shared the importance of developing a sales forecast in your business. Linda’s work prepares business owners to achieve their desired exit valuations.
Key takeaways:
- In business, Cash is King/Queen.
- To get a true picture of the business’s cash flow, entrepreneurs need to understand all three financial statements. Can you name them?
- Use data to determine what changes will have the biggest impact on your business. The outcome may surprise you.
Learn More About the North Chamber of San Antonio
Active Business Listings
Are you searching for a business to buy? Join PGP Advisory’s exclusive network to receive regular alerts on businesses available for sale. You’ll be the first to know about new opportunities. Receive our Active Business Alerts by subscribing via the link below! Check out a snapshot of our current inventory:
Profitable Home Care Services Franchise with Motivated Seller Deal
Price: $175,000
Cash Flow: $147,372
Location: League City, TX
Profitable Boutique Fitness Gym with Integrated Smart Gym Tech. Deal
Price: $350,000
Cash Flow: $80,000
Location: San Antonio, TX
Unique Mexican Ice Cream Retailer with Big Growth Potential
Price: $100,000
Cash Flow: $75,000
Location: San Antonio, TX
Ride Share Tech Platform Acquisition Opportunity
Price: N/A
Total Sales: $1,344,000
Location: Southeast U.S.
Vertically Integrated U.S. Paper Mill with a Focus Sustainability
Price: N/A
Total Sales: $2,500,000
Location: Central U.S.
Subscribe to PGP Advisory’s Active Business Alerts
PGP Advisory Announces Sale of Revered Adult Day Care Center
PGP Advisory is proud to announce the sale of an established Adult Day Care Center in McAllen, TX to a private buyer with ties to the local community. This transaction marks not only a successful business transfer but also an opportunity to build upon the exceptional care and support for adult populations and their families in the McAllen community.
This adult care center has served the community with compassionate care for many years, providing a nurturing and engaging environment for adults requiring day care. The acquiring team brings complimentary experience in education, business, and a strong their local presence with a shared commitment to the center’s values and mission. The buyers intend to build upon the facility’s rich legacy, expand its reach, and continue to positively impact lives.
Deal highlights:
- – Management team in place
- – Strong post-COVID rebound in clientele
- – The acquiring team brings complimentary experience in education, business, and a strong their local presence
Be the first to read the latest edition of PGP Advisory’s Business Beat by subscribing to our publications. Click here to opt-in!
PGP Advisory’s Business Beat – August 2023
Entrepreneur’s Corner: The Benefits of an Advisory Council
Experts recommend considering adding an advisory council to your business. This informal board would provide strategic advice on business management related issues. An advisory council would be in place to provide advice to your business, but unlike a board of directors, they will not actually make the key decisions. Further, while a board of directors often has equity in the business, an advisory council does not. Of course, an advisory council is not right for every business. You will typically see them in businesses that are making $3M-$25M.
The advisory council can identify and help address blind spots that will strengthen your business. They are an excellent resource as you scale and spend more time working on the business than in it.
Learn More About the Benefits of Advisory Council
Passive Investor’s Playbook
Recently, PGP Advisory had great conversation with Charlie Hardage on the Passive Investor’s Playbook. We explored the power of business + commercial real estate investments to build diversification into investors’ portfolios.
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast!
Going Global
PGP Advisory was honored to participate in a roundtable with Madam Under Secretary Lago of the U.S. Department of Commerce and distinguished San Antonio business leaders to discuss how the department and U.S. Commercial Service offices around the world can partner with the local business community to help unrepresented businesses grow through access to global markets.
The takeaway- the US Commercial Services is one of those best kept secrets that needs to be revealed. They want to help. They can open doors overseas that smaller businesses can’t on their own. Stay tuned…we ultimately want everyone to have access to “the room where it happens.”
Learn More About the U.S. Department of Commerce for International Trade
Active Business Listings
Are you searching for a business to buy? Join PGP Advisory’s exclusive network to receive regular alerts on businesses available for sale. You’ll be the first to know about new opportunities. Receive our Active Business Alerts by subscribing via the link below! Check out a snapshot of our current inventory:
High Growth Mexican Restaurant with Multiple Locations
Price: $740,000
Cash Flow: $425,000
Location: San Antonio, TX
Profitable Boutique Fitness Gym with Integrated Smart Gym Tech. Deal
Price: $500,000
Cash Flow: $80,000
Location: San Antonio, TX
Subscribe to PGP Advisory’s Active Business Alerts
Successfully Sold: Barkingham Palace
PGP Advisory served as the exclusive sell-side broker on the sale of Barkingham Palace, a 68-Kennel Pet Boarding and Training business to a Private Buyer.
Deal Highlights:
- Successfully negotiated a win-win deal structure and terms with a strategic buyer
- Sale included both business assets and associated real estate
- Excellent group of deal professionals facilitate a smooth transaction
- Industry, region, and business are positioned for future growth
“As owners seeking an informed exit strategy for our business of 18 years, it was important to us to find an experienced business advisor to navigate the complex, multi-faceted business sale process. Jason Brown had the most methodical approach for the sale of our business and the associated real estate. Jason demonstrated consistent strength in his attention to detail, consistent communications, problem solving negotiations and closing a deal with an amazing buyer that met our exit goals. We highly recommend PGP Advisory to all business professionals seeking the best in all the business services they offer.” (PGP Advisory’s Client)
Advisor Spotlight: Meet Ken
Senior Business Broker
Ken Powers brings more than twenty years of experience helping small and large companies create value through enabling sales growth and driving operational efficiencies. His corporate experience spans a wide range of industries including Healthcare, Technology, Aerospace and Defense, and Automotive. Ken brings expertise in strategy development and implementation, business transformation, and process improvement. Based out of Chicago, he is a seasoned executive who is ready to guide you and your business to the next level.
Ken earned his M.B.A from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business with concentrations in Strategy and Finance. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University.
Be the first to read the latest edition of PGP Advisory’s Business Beat by subscribing to our publications. Click here to opt-in!
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Guide To Selling Your Business & Building Your Transition Team
“I’m not ready to sell now. I’ve got several years left.” A key follow-up question to ask yourself is: “Is now the right time to sell?” As the Fed continues to raise rates to combat inflation and the risk of recession looms on the horizon, how will your business fair in this environment? We encourage you to consider these external factors when weighing whether or not this is the right time to sell.
Hopefully you’ve read PGP Advisory’s article, “What to Expect When You’re Ready To Sell,” which highlights the preparation timeline and how to set realistic goals for the process.
The team at PGP Advisory has formed a step-by-step guide to ensure businesses are sold at the right time, for the right price, and to the right buyer.
Step 1: Be Informed
Do your research and educate yourself on the selling process. Consult with an M&A advisor.
An M&A advisor will help you establish a strategy tailored to your business and manage the complexities of the sale process so that you can stay focused on running your business. They’ll identify and qualify buyers, secure an offer(s), and negotiate the eventual sale with the best possible terms.
If you’re invested in selling your business for the best possible value, choose a leading M&A advisory firm to broker the deal.
Step 2: Get Your Finances in Order
Purchase price is important, but so are the terms on the deal. Accurate financials can make the difference between getting 80-90% of the purchase price at close (via bank financing) and you becoming the bank (in the form of seller financing) for a significant portion of the purchase price over several years.
Do your due diligence by organizing your bookkeeping and financials and getting ahead of items that could prevent bank financing or slow down the sale (such as sign-off from other shareholders or active lawsuits or legal proceedings).
Consider your business’ employee contracts, intellectual property issues, and federal and state tax requirements. To ensure you have time to fix all potential red flags, hire a third-party accounting firm to assess your financial statements and advise on an exit-friendly tax strategy a year or two before the sale.
Step 3: Get a Business Valuation
Turn to experts (e.g., business brokers, M&A advisors) to understand how much your company is worth and to whom. Value is more than a number on a paper. The value that matters is what a buyer is willing to pay for your business. A trusted advisor will help establish a range that you would expect a reasonable buyer to offer for the business.
Step 4: Build Your Transition Team
“Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs. Putting together a team early can prevent a lot of stumbling down the road. Here is our list of professionals that business owners should have on their team (before your business goes to market) to smoothly and successfully sell their business:
1) M&A Advisor – Expert on sale strategy and process
2) CPA – Expert on your financials and tax strategies
3) Lawyer – Expert on identifying and managing legal risks with both the business and sale
4) Financial Advisor – Expert on planning for post-sale impact on your overall financial objectives
Summary
As experienced M&A Advisors, we are at the center of your business sale transition team. If the issues are not unaddressed, you will spend valuable time and resources prior to and after the sale trying to “fix” things. Your business is likely your most valuable asset, and building a successful company can take years of time and effort. If you’re considering selling your business at some point, schedule some time to discuss how we can help you make an informed decision – and maximize the price you receive for the sale.
Thinking Of Selling Your Business? Start Here.
What to Expect When You’re Ready To Sell
There are several reasons small business owners decide to sell their companies — they want to move to another city or state, sales are down, they’re looking for a new challenge or it’s time to retire.
The prospect of selling your business can feel overwhelming, and you want to receive a fair price for the assets you’ve worked so hard to create. To make the process as easy and profitable as possible, you’ll want to start planning early. Whatever the reason, once you decide to sell, you can’t just hang up a “for sale” sign and wait for the offers to come rolling in. Selling for the right price takes time and preparation.
What’s Your Goal in Selling?
Owners often focus primarily on the question “How much can I get for my business?” However, the first question an owner needs to be prepared to answer is, “What results do I want to get from this transaction?” Business owners will typically focus on what they think their business is worth or how much a peer recently sold their business for, even if that business was in a different industry.
PGP Advisory suggests focusing on the owner’s personal needs and goals. For example, consider these questions:
- Do you want to transition the company to the next generation of your family or to employees?
- Is your goal to find a willing buyer in the open market and maximize the sale price?
- Do you plan to retire and live off of the proceeds from the sale for the rest of your life?
- Are you looking to invest some of your equity with the buyer and work with/for the next owner?
- Are you looking to reinvest in a different opportunity?
- What other goals do you have (e.g., paying for college educations, contributing planned amounts to charity)?
Understanding the Realistic Timeline is Essential
In an ideal situation, the questions above would be asked and answered several years before the owner wants to take their business to market. This timeframe would allow for appropriate estate and investment planning. Plus, having a longer timeframe allows owners and their advisors to consider what actions can be taken to increase the value of the company before going to market and leaves ample time for implementation.
Having time on your side can really pay off when selling a business. Whether you’re ready to retire or simply want to move on to a new venture, it’s imperative to keep in mind, that the completion of a sale can take well over a year, so keep that in mind as you plan your exit strategy.
At PGP Advisory, we explain to our clients that it’s reasonable to prepare for this to be a 2-year process, roughly from the time you decide to sell, all the way to the completion of the sale. Wrapping your head around this realistic time frame is a necessary first step. This critical preparation will help you to improve your financial records, business structure, and customer base to make the business more profitable. These improvements will also ease the transition for the buyer and keep the business running smoothly.
Selling a business requires an enormous amount of planning. As you begin the process, it’s important to focus on the step you’re in and the long-term objective. Otherwise, you may end up making short-term decisions that go against your ultimate plan.
Takeaways
Knowing what you want/need as a result of the sale and understanding the realistic selling timeframe, will set you up as much as possible for a smooth and successful transaction.
In our next segment, PGP Advisory will walk you through the first steps owners will want to take to begin the selling process from an advisor perspective, including helping you construct your transition team.
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