Our small business online advice columnist. CCH Online Store Books on small business topics. Free E-mail Newsletter Monthly updates on developments affecting small businesses. That's the time you'd be most likely to receive the most cash on the barrel. Your decision to sell out will probably have much more to do with your personal circumstances than what's happening on Wall Street.
Internal factors are important.
Regardless of the state of the economy or your industry, there are a number of things you can do to shape up your business to make it more attractive to purchasers. Much as a homeowner would give the house a new coat of paint, repair anything broken, and even put some big flowerpots on the front porch before putting the house on the market, you should spruce up your business as much as possible. Start planning early. On average, once your business is on the market, it will take about a year to find a buyer and complete the deal. If you are planning to sell to family members or key employees, there are special opportunities to save money and taxes, but many of the more creative methods can take three to five years to put into place.