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Almost everyone reaches a time when they become tired or running the show. When that time comes, we are here to help. With more than 25 years of experience and more  than 700 successful sales, our experience in the Northern Virginia market is second to none. 

A common misconception is that when someone buys a business, the new owner cleans house and brings in all new help. This couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, the buyer needs the existing employees more than the seller. The Seller knows the business, has contacts throughout the industry and knows what to look for in new hires...most times, the Buyer knows none of that. We give Special consideration, and use our years of experience to create the perfect atmosphere for the new owner and the employees to start from a good place.  

Capital Business Brokers does everything in it's power to avoid employees, customers or suppliers from becoming aware of the business being for sale. Every potential buyer is required to meet certain financial requirements and to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. In addition, they are repeatedly reminded about the need to keep things quiet. When arrange the first meeting with a potential buyer we prefer to schedule these meeting before or after hours when employees, customers and suppliers are no where to be seen. We have done them from 4:00am to as late as 11:30 pm. We do whatever it takes.

We wish I could give you a simple and concise answer, but we can't. Unlike real estate where everything predicated by location, recent sales, square footage and property condition, business value is much different. We sell businesses with horrible locations that earn a million or more a year and others with prime locations that barely earn a hundred thousand. Certain industries command higher prices while some are a tough sell. A thorough review of the business and analysis of past financial records will help put a price on your business that ensures you are receiving the most the market will bare, without being priced out of the market. 

In reality, it is like selling any other big ticket item. If you price it above market value, it could take six months or more. If you price well below market it could sell within a few weeks. If you are looking to get a good price for your business, we advise allowing four to six months. 

We understand this problem intimately as no one prepares their returns to impress anyone...they do them so they won't need to pay a lot in taxes. When we analyze your financials we will add back expenses the expenses you paid that would not readily show up on your returns. Essentially, the number we are looking for is if you didn't take any money for your or your family's benefit last year, how much money would have been in your account on December 31st. We call that cashflow, it is typically the the most prominent portion of the calculation determining your business' value.  

Whether your lease is almost up, you are slightly behind on payments or you recently signed a new lease we can help. We have experienced almost every scenario you can imagine and we know how to make things work to your favor.