If you plan to buy an existing business, carefully analyse both the advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that a good business history can increase the likelihood of a successful operation and ensure that finance is easier to obtain. Potential disadvantages can be overestimating the goodwill figure and a poor public image inherited from the previous owner.
As a prospective business owner you should determine the current worth of the business and its future prospects. Some important considerations are:
- Vendor – reason for sale of business
- Sales – patterns, trends, customer base, current suppliers
- Costs – fixed and variable costs, staff costs
- Profits – analyse financial records, future cash flow and profitability
- Assets – identify and check all assets, including intellectual property and leasing arrangements
- Liabilities – outstanding debts, refunds and warranties
- Purchase agreement – review carefully
- Tax – GST, Capital Gains Tax, stamp duty implications
- Legal issues – leases, business structure.
For advice and protection in buying a business we suggest that you seek the services of a solicitor, accountant or business adviser.
Source: http://www.business.gov.au/Howtoguides/Startingabusiness/Pages/Buyinganestablishedbusiness.aspx
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