Venture Exits

Business Brokers: Guiding the Sale of Privately Held Companies

Business Brokers: Guiding the Sale of Privately Held Companies

Business brokers, also known as intermediaries or business transfer agents, help buyers and sellers navigate the complex process of selling privately held businesses, from valuation to final negotiations.
Understanding the Role of Business Brokers in the U.S. and U.K.

Understanding the Role of Business Brokers in the U.S. and U.K.

Business brokers assist with buying and selling small businesses, while specialized attorneys or solicitors ensure smooth transactions. Their role differs from investment banks and M&A advisors, who focus on larger deals.
Business Brokers and Agency Relationships: Understanding Fiduciary Roles

Business Brokers and Agency Relationships: Understanding Fiduciary Roles

Business brokers can operate as agents with fiduciary duties or as transaction brokers, depending on the state or country, shaping how they interact with buyers and sellers.
Dual and Limited Agency in Business Brokerage Explained

Dual and Limited Agency in Business Brokerage Explained

Dual agency happens when a single brokerage represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction, with laws and rules varying by state to ensure fairness and transparency.
Understanding the Role of Principals and Agents in Business Sales

Understanding the Role of Principals and Agents in Business Sales

In business transactions, buyers and sellers are the principals, while brokers act as their agents—facilitating the process without signing legal documents on behalf of the principals.
Understanding Typical Business Brokerage Fees

Understanding Typical Business Brokerage Fees

Business brokers may charge fees hourly, via retainer, or as a success-based commission, with U.S. fees typically ranging from 10% to 12% for businesses under $10 million.
Licensing Requirements for Business Brokers in the U.S. and Canada

Licensing Requirements for Business Brokers in the U.S. and Canada

Business broker licensing rules vary widely across states and countries, with some requiring licenses for commissions, while others have stricter requirements to advise on business sales.
Business Broker Licensing Around the World

Business Broker Licensing Around the World

Licensing requirements for business brokers differ globally, with some countries having formal regulations and others leaving the profession unregulated.
Business Broker Associations: Supporting Professionals Worldwide

Business Broker Associations: Supporting Professionals Worldwide

Business broker associations provide education, certifications, and networking opportunities for brokers, helping maintain industry standards across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and globally.
Understanding the Basics of Business and Profit

Understanding the Basics of Business and Profit

A business is an activity undertaken to earn a profit by producing, buying, or selling goods and services, with legal and tax implications depending on its structure.
Understanding the Difference Between Businesses and Corporations

Understanding the Difference Between Businesses and Corporations

While “business” and “company” are often used interchangeably, corporations are legally distinct entities that offer limited liability, corporate taxation, and formal reporting requirements.
Exploring the Different Forms of Business Ownership

Exploring the Different Forms of Business Ownership

Businesses can take various forms—sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or cooperatives—each with unique legal, financial, and operational characteristics.
Understanding Different Types of Companies and Their Structures

Understanding Different Types of Companies and Their Structures

Companies can be structured in various ways—limited by guarantee, limited by shares, unlimited, or statutory—each offering different liability protections and purposes.
Company Types, Ownership, and Legal Structures Explained

Company Types, Ownership, and Legal Structures Explained

“Ltd” and “PLC” indicate different company types, while ownership structures, public vs. private status, and parent-subsidiary relationships define control and regulatory obligations.