Introduction

No two businesses are exactly alike — even those that are part of a national chain with exactly the same sign on every door. Each business or outlet of a business has its own complexities that determine whether it’s worth a little . . . or a lot.

That’s why business valuation is actually a pretty complex affair for someone who’s never taken a finance class. If you go online or into a bookstore looking for books on business valuation, you’re likely to find volumes that are written more for people who’ve already been exposed to business finance, accounting, or management training. If you’re considering buying a business or have operated one for years without a lot of that training, we’re pretty sure that a complicated textbook isn’t what you need.

We think that valuation should be the first thing you think about before you make a move into or out of any business. Consider this book to be a starting point for a bright, well-informed future in buying or selling a business, because the dream of owning or selling a business should always begin with dedication to understanding the true value of what you’re buying. If we can give you an understanding of the basics of business valuation and of the tools and expertise you require to get the right valuation for the job, we’ll have accomplished our purpose.

About This Book

This book is very cautious because we think it should be.

We’ll state this upfront: This book will not make you qualified to handle most business valuation ...

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