Guardian Due Diligence Blog
Thought leadership and news from the Guardian Due Diligence team.
War Story: Know the Real Story
Retirement, divorce, or a hot industry are the most common reasons businesses are sold. Sometimes, entrepreneurs are just tired. When you initially ask for the reason an owner is selling, they’ll have a standard, lofty story. It always sounds great, but it will usually follow one of those four themes.
War Story: When Family Complicates a Deal
It can get messy when an owner is selling the business while still employing their children. The owner will tell you their salaries and that they want the children to stay in the business. That’s a tough decision to make as a buyer.
War Story: Trust Your Instincts!
Early on in my career, I learned a lot from a specific deal. A seller wasn’t being straight with me, and I caught on pretty fast.
War Story: Don’t Let Your Competition Fool You
As you get deeper into entrepreneurship through acquisition, you're going to find yourself in competition with other buyers. It can be hard to know when the intentions of other buyers are genuine, when to compete with their offers, or when to back down.
Guardian Due Diligence vs. The Average CPA
When seeking diligence for your acquisition deal, you’ll need to choose between the services of a CPA firm and a financial due diligence firm like Guardian. Your choice will ultimately depend on your experience level and your deal. Before making a decision, you should consider what each provider includes in their due diligence report and how those offerings will help get your deal done.
Is speed a priority for you? Do you require negotiation support? CPA and due diligence firms approach those needs differently. Understand what to expect from each provider so you can make your deal happen in a reasonable timeframe and with confidence.