Sellers Roadmap

Is it Time to Sell?

It takes time to prepare your business so it is ready to roll out to the market. It has been our experience that many business owners do not plan far enough in advance of the sale to maximize their after-tax proceeds, Instead, they wait until a problem arises such as declining sales or dissolution.

We can save you Time and Money

1. Introductory Meeting

The Starting Point

The first step towards selling your business is an introductory meeting. During this meeting, which can take place by phone, video, or in person, we will learn about your business and gather information about your goals and expectations. We will answer questions you have and provide feedback about the process of listing and selling your restaurant.

2. Broker’s Opinion of Value

Assessing Your Business’ Value

We have developed a specialized listing profile to guide our clients and offer free valuations. During this stage, we will look at your financial statements and other relevant information that is necessary for a professional opinion of value. Within 1-2 weeks, you’ll receive a complete analysis. 

3. The Price is Right

 - Come on Down!

Typically, the next meeting will take place in person. We will present our analysis on your business including a range of business value. Any remaining questions about financials or operations will be discussed. At this stage, we encourage you to not ask all your questions about valuation, but also inquire about the process from start to finish.

5. Marketing & Packaging  

Where the Magic Happens!

Once your business is officially listed, we then start to collect the necessary due diligence documents, which will be requested by both buyers and lenders. This kind of documentation is also necessary for the “Offering Memorandum” and marketing materials that we will be preparing on your behalf. Confidentiality is an essential part of the process, and we will also complete and execute the Non-Disclosure Agreement at this stage

10 Benefits of Working with Us:

• Specialized marketing programs to suit the individual needs of our clients
• Our cutting-edge marketing programs include extensive social media marketing, magazines, newspapers
• Over 60,000 registered buyers in our database
• Restaurant Realty’s website is searched out thousands of times weekly
• Restaurant Realty markets with over 13 partner platforms to market
• Weekly newsletter email blast to over 60,000 buyers
• Search engine optimization (SEO) keeps us front and center
• Public relations & media
• Active participation in industry events 
• Restaurant Realty maintains an excellent reputation

7. Purchase Agreement 

We will prepare the purchase agreement and submit to all parties

The next stage of the process is quite essential, and that is arriving at a Purchase Agreement that has been properly negotiated and agreed upon by both parties. This document will cover the terms of the sale, which include but are not limited to:

Typically, an experienced attorney will be involved in  reviewing this document. If you do not have an attorney familiar with this type of contract and negotiations, we can offer suggestions for trusted professionals. While this stage can often present roadblocks, Jim Pate and his team ensure that things move steadily forward and any issues are minimized and resolved.

At this stage we will need:

• Representations and warranties

• Price Allocations
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Legal details
• Purchase structure

9. Closing the DEAL

Keeping buyers and sellers on a streamlined path to close

Our goal is to keep buyers and sellers on a steady path towards close, while minimizing surprises that could interfere with the deal’s completion. It’s important to note that we don’t consider the deal to be done until the final paperwork has been executed and funds are successfully delivered via certified check or wire. In some cases, an intermediary will coordinate the delivery of funds. 

At this point, you can expect all paperwork to be executed including:

• Purchase agreements and bill of sale

• Loan documents
• Any contracts or leases for real estate

• Promissory notes

• Stock agreements

• Power of attorney agreements

• Operating agreements and manuals and More…

  Jim Pate will work closely with you until the deal has been 100% completed and ensure that your interests are protected throughout the process.