When selling a funeral home business, owners are often in new and perhaps unchartered territory. There are legal factors, unknown tax implications due to sale structure, negotiations, marketing, working through due diligence (inspections, compilation of business documents and financial information, etc.) managing the transaction to closing once an offer is signed, and a lot of organization that is required to cross the finish line. Enlisting and entrusting an experienced third-party to help guide and navigate your team through the transaction journey, is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best price and will experience a smooth transition from current Owner to new Owner. Here’s how to determine the right representation for your business:
Calm the Complex:
When it comes to selling your funeral home business, emotions can run high. It’s a deeply personal decision that can be clouded by personal attachment to the legacy you’ve built. This is where a third-party representative becomes invaluable. By serving as a neutral mediator, while representing your best interests with the goal of maximizing value, they bring objectivity to the table, taking the emotion out of the transaction. With their guidance, negotiations remain focused on practical considerations rather than personal attachments, ensuring that decisions are made with clarity and rationally. By providing a calm and impartial perspective, third-party representatives help both buyers and sellers navigate the process with professionalism and efficiency, ultimately leading to a smooth transition of ownership and higher probability of success.
Knowing the Profession:
The process of selling your funeral home includes several stages and phases. Partnering with a representative that understands each step of the journey, as well as, funeral home operations, finance, and vetted buyers, is invaluable for the insights and guidance along the way to maximize the value of your business. From initial negotiations on an acceptable structure to the various facets of due diligence and closing such as covenants not to compete, employment agreements, and consulting agreements, their knowledge and experience ensures that no aspect of the process is overlooked. With a deep understanding of industry norms, regulations, and best practices, they can anticipate potential challenges and easily navigate through them. Furthermore, their familiarity with the nuances of funeral home operations allows for tailored structures and solutions that address specific needs and concerns.
Communication as a Catalyst:
Effective communication is paramount. With transparency as the cornerstone, having a representative who comprehensively understands the profession’s dynamics ensures clarity and communication throughout the process. Their expertise enables them to communicate with you and understand your concerns as a funeral home operator. Furthermore, their insider knowledge empowers them to develop a compelling marketing package that showcases the unique strengths of your funeral home, attracting the right buyers (qualified and vetted buyers) who align with your succession goals. By entrusting your sale to a seasoned funeral business representative, you can rest assured that your wishes are communicated effectively to the buyers and that your marketing presentation represents your business with the utmost integrity and accuracy of historical and future growth.
Uncovering Hidden Opportunities:
For a funeral profession M&A advisor, their expertise extends beyond mere transaction facilitation; they possess the experience and knowledge of how to effectively market a business within this unique industry. They know specifically what financial and business information to include in the marketing package to provide an overall understanding of the history of your business, as well as, what the future holds based on trend analyses. By leveraging their expertise, they can accurately assess whether your business is positioned to command top dollar in the market today, or if there are areas that need improvement to maximize its value and look at marketing the business in the future. Partnering with such a seasoned professional ensures that your business receives the attention it deserves and that you achieve the best possible outcome in the sale process.
About Johnson Consulting Group:
Johnson Consulting Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive business solutions and tools to achieve heightened performance, profitability, and success within the funeral and cemetery industry. Our expert services encompass Succession Planning, selling funeral homes and cemeteries, financing solutions, business coaching, accounting services, funeral business performance analysis, customer survey programs, Customer Experience workshops, incentive compensation plans, and Leadership and Management training.