Buying a business is a serious undertaking and careful
panning in terms of due diligence and financial budgeting are critical to
insure you make the right decision – for you!
Due diligence: What do I look for when buying a business?
- The owner’s reputation in
the market place
- Historical trading
information and financial reports
- The lease terms, any local
government council permits or licences that may be required
- Obtain a full equipment
inventory
- View the staff rosters and
corresponding payroll. Confirm any hours that the vendor may be working in
the business and identify any potential addbacks for management wages or vendor
salaries.
- Will you be able to
increase sales with current resources?
- Does the Contract of Sale
include a restraint of trade clause binding the vendor and its directors
to not compete for a period of time and within a certain distance of the
business?
- Obtain legal
representation from a qualified practitioner for the Contract of Sale,
leases and other ancillary documentation.