If you are interested in buying a new business or selling your existing one then you have come to the right place. In order to get a great price for your business, you will need to find a top business broker to use. Below, we will take a look at some of the best business brokers around the world. We have done the research so you don’t have to, taking some of the pressure off your shoulders.
Bridge Point Business Brokers
Bridge Point Business Brokers are one of the most credentialed, experienced business brokers experts in the US. These brokers act as your trusted partner through all business transactions, they will provide you with expert advice when you need it most.
With a strong reputation in the business brokerage field, they really have earned their place as one of the best business brokers around the world. They are mainly based in Florida, but will gladly assist you if you are located elsewhere in America.
Pros
Awesome Team – Bridge Point Business Brokers can offer you a multidisciplinary team, eleven of them to be precise. They all come with certification in various fields including finance, real estate, and valuations. This suggests a huge amount of knowledge and experience, providing you with the best service.
Confidentiality – This firm can offer you confidentiality, meaning they won’t divulge any information to anybody not on your case throughout the whole process.
Cons
Fees – Bridge Point Business Brokers specifies on their website that they offer competitive prices. However, they don’t give an exact percentage or cost. This means clients don’t find out how much they have to pay until they have an initial consultation.
Main Focus – if you are a business specializing in anything other than real estate then they may not be the best option for you. They frequently mention top tier real estate like marinas and properties.
Synergy Business Brokers
Synergy can often be found working with businesses whose annual revenue ranges from $700,000 up to $250 million. They pride themselves with being M&A advisors to the Lower Middle Market rather than the Main Street Section. However, they will consider working with you if you’re in the top tier of Main Street.
Pros
No Upfront Fees – this is a huge plus for some people. Synergy won’t charge a fee unless your business sells. Which means you won’t have to pay a retainer fee when you sign up for their services.
Cons
Various Expertise – while Synergy has a great reputation, the level of expertise can vary from broker to broker. Make sure you check that they have the level of expertise and experience in your industry.
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Sunbelt Business Brokers is easily one of the largest business broker networks in the world. They are a franchise business, meaning there are plenty of independently owned offices both in the US and internationally. They offer buying and selling packages, handy if you are looking to do both of these things at the same time.
Pros
Great Management – Sunbelt will manage the whole process for you, this means you won’t need to use numerous companies to complete the sale or purchase of your business.
Buyer Screening – these brokers will screen all buyers who show an interest in your business. This saves anyone wasting time, they can only proceed if they have the funds available and are serious about the transaction.
Cons
Inconsistent – depending on which office you use, as Sunbelt is a franchise, you may not receive consistent service throughout. Speak to the office or individual you choose to ensure they are qualified and experienced in your industry.
Main Focus – Sunbelt tends to cover main street businesses, under $1M. If you have a much larger business that you want to sell then you may need to look for a different broker to use.
Transworld Business Advisors
Here we have another franchise system. They don’t just offer brokerage and are best known for their three main services. This includes brokerage, consulting, and development. Their main service and the one they are most known for is business brokerage. They offer confidential sales and acquisitions of privately held companies.
Pros
Confidentiality Is Key – only those who need to know will know that your business is being sold. Your employees, customers, and competitors will remain unaware until they need to know.
A Great Reputation – Transworld Business Advisors has a wonderful reputation and proven track record. They have been working in the field for over 45 years now, and since being founded in 1979 they have sold over 15,000 businesses.
Cons
High Commission – if your business happens to sell then you will have to pay around 12% commission. However, this is a standard fee across the board and you only need to pay should your company sell.
Murphy Business & Financial Corporation
If you are based in North America then you will likely have heard of the leading business brokers. They have been trading since 1994 and operate a franchise system across the US and Canada. They offer both Main Stress ventures as well as Lower Middle Market.
Pros
Many Services Offered – this firm has everything under one roof, this means you will only need to use them for the whole process.
Co-Brokers – Murphy offers the chance of co-brokering, this can help you close a deal up to 60 days sooner. This is great for those who want a quick sale.
Cons
Commission – you need to bear in mind that Murphy is a success only broker. If your business sells then you will need to pay a fee of up to 12%. This needs to be taken into account when working out your funds.
High Staff Turnover – a common issue with Murphy is they have a high turnover of staff. This means you could be working and communicating with one broker who leaves. That leaves you short of contact until someone else takes over your case.
VR Business Brokers
If you are wondering what VR stands for, then this is Valued Representation. This is one of the oldest and the largest business broker networks in the world. They operate from the US but have offices and franchise systems in several international locations. They can help you if you have a small – mid size business worth around $150,000 +.
Pros
A Strong Reputation – VR claims to have sold more businesses than any other business brokerage in the world.
Confidentiality – They will protect your businesses confidentiality through the whole process.
Cons
Fees – This company will charge you a 10% fee once your business sells, bear this in mind when working out your finances.
So there you have it, six of the best business brokers operating around the world. Decide which price bracket your business falls into and then decide which broker to use. There will be some who might not be able to help you due to their levels of expertise.