Welcome
SMG Associates specializes in helping North Carolina business owners and qualified buyers find one another. Located in the heart of North Carolina, we deliver unmatched customer service and solid business insights to both owners and buyers in the greater Raleigh-Durham market.
Not only can SMG Associates help sell your business to the appropriate buyer, we can get you a Fair Market Value that will most likely exceed your own expectations. Our value proposition is unique as it delivers a combination of professional business broker services with advanced sales and marketing strategies, in an effort to legitimately increase your company's market valuation and successfully sell your business.
Every business is unique. We take a step-by-step approach to each individual relationship and leverage the nation's largest network of business broker professionals (BBN) to place the right seller with the right buyer. Today's business enviornment has shifted and SMG Associates prides itself on being a cutting-edge partner in today's rapidly moving marketplace. As a business owner, you can truly rely on the expertise, professionalism, honesty, and confidentiality SMG Associates will deliver.
Scott Gardner, owner of SMG Associates, holds the professional business broker designations of Business Transfer Specialist (BTS) and Financial Recasting Consultant (FRC). As part of BBN, we are members of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), Institute of Certified Business Counselors (ICBC), US Chamber of Commerce, and Better Business Bureau. Scott Gardner has more than 8 years experience working closely with small business owners to accomplish their respective goals. Prior to business brokering, Scott served as Vice President and Director for two professional services firms. His career started in a branch management program with Central Carolina Bank (now SunTrust) following his graduation from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation, free consultation to determine if SMG Associates is an appropriate business partner for you.
Buy Your Business
The vast majority of all business buyers are first time buyers, unprepared to meet the complexities of a business acquisition. However, whether you are considering your first acquisition or are a seasoned investor, you can look to us for assistance in every phase of the transaction. The following, therefore, summarizes the key elements of the business acquisition process as professionally conducted by our office.
Initial Meeting -
Objectives, Needs and Requirements Review:
In preparation for our initial meeting, the business buyer should complete our Buyer Response Form. After completing the form, the buyer will email us the information, or may print the confirmation page and send via fax. This information, along with our subsequent discussions relating to the buyers personal goals and objectives, will provide an appropriate starting point to the process. A detailed search of our large listing inventory enables us to develop a selection of "target" businesses for the buyers review.
Review of Acquisition Alternatives:
We make every effort to provide the buyer with pertinent information on a target company's financial performance, staffing, facilities, equipment, lease, inventory, customers and market areas served. This information is where our professional edge makes a difference in a successful acquisition. In most cases we will have tax returns, customer lists, etc. for confirmation. If we cannot provide verification of information given to us, we will advise you accordingly.
When the various business names are disclosed, you will be required to sign a standard "Confidentiality/Disclosure" form. In most cases, this is required by the business owner.
For more information please visit our "Buying A Business" page.
Sell Your Business
Your business isn't just any business. It is a living monument to late-night homework and early-morning deadlines. It is an accumulation of sweat, equity and lifetime achievement.
Therefore, the decision to sell your business is one of the most important decisions of your lifetime. Turning your operation into cash is a complex matter involving a number of variables, many of them unique to your business. Additionally, you're likely to face an uncertain economy, unbridled competition, and sophisticated buyers. We provide competent and experienced professional guidance, so you will not be facing them alone.
Business sales intermediaries have professionally orchestrated hundreds of business sales transactions.
With our worldwide affiliation, our member's business offerings are regularly presented to numerous potential domestic and international buyers looking to relocate to your area.
Consider the Facts:
One out of four American businesses change hands each year.
The vast majority of all business sellers are first-time sellers, unprepared to meet the complexities and time demands of a business sale transaction.
"Do-it-yourself" sellers typically receive considerably less than the fair market value of their businesses.
Over 50% of all small-to-medium sized business sales arranged by sellers without professional assistance result in transactional problems, dissatisfaction, default or in court.
Today's business buyer demands reliable financial and operational information that can, not only be confirmed, but also documented and verified.
SMG ASSOCIATES specializes in business sales and acquisitions of firms ranging in price from $300,000 to over $10,000,000. We have sold virtually every category of business and invite your review of our performance by contacting our office. We are selective and are highly successful. We are fully prepared to represent those clients who have a desire to see the continuing success of their business under the guardianship of a new owner.
Fee Basis and Policies:
For the most part, fees are earned on a success basis and are normally paid at the closing. If they are not, then you will be advised in advance of what the costs will be. Our fee agreement will be fully discussed with you prior to any commitment on your part.
For more information please visit our "Selling A Business" page.
