How to buy a small business

From the pocket book series "Be a winner"
Publisher: Frontrunner Publishing
Author: Bob Power

The book gives the reader useful hints on buying a business-and on the premise "Keep it simple", without jargon and legalese. The author draws on his many years experience in the field of buying and selling businesses.

The book is aimed primarily at the SME market with the intention of equipping the buyer with the basic information and knowledge needed to negotiate a transaction.

It must be stressed that the book is simply to be used as a base on which to build an understanding of the buying process.

The book is aimed at 3 distinct markets in the SME sector - Entrepreneurs, Retrenchees and School Leavers. Although the needs and assistance required for these 3 groups are different the understanding of business is the same for all of them.

It is pointed out that - If the buyer is aware of the many pitfalls and perils in the buying process - and checks all the facts and information available he will be better armed when he finally puts pen to paper. Why is the business for sale? - if the answer is not known don't buy.

The book covers the full ramifications of buying a business-from how to value, terms of payment, how to find/fund a business, BEE, corporate governance, financial and legal compliance, warrant ties/indemnities, due diligence and negotiations, The reader therefore has a clear picture of what it is all about - but it is made clear that if you don't understand business, don't buy and don't sign documents which you do not understand. Being pennywise and pound-foolish is a risk if advisers are not used, but the buyer is advised to put in writing anything agreed especially as to - what it will cost, what is to be supplied and when will delivery be affected. The adviser works for you.

It is impossible to cover the total package in a book of this nature - but it is a sound beginning with an abundance of information. The reader's appetite should be sweetened enough .

Contact person: The author, Bob Power at tel: (011) 880 7850
Books available at Exclusive Books and CNA