How Rogerson Business Services Facilitated a Successful Sale and a Seamless Retirement for Appliance Parts Center Owners
About The Appliance Parts Center (Owners' Perspective)
After dedicating over 20 years to building their thriving appliance parts business in California, Judy and Scott Shields were ready for retirement.
They sought a buyer who would not only offer a fair price but also ensure the continued success of the business and the well-being of their loyal employees.
Appliance Parts Center, a family-owned and operated business, had been a cornerstone of the Sacramento, California community for over two decades. The business specialized in providing a wide range of appliance parts and repair services, earning a reputation for its expertise, reliability, and customer service.
"We spent over 20 years of our lives dedicated to growing this business and really wanted someone to take over who would be able to carry on and improve while keeping our existing staff employed," Judy shared, reflecting on their decision to sell.
The Challenge: Confidentiality and Timelines
Like many business owners considering a sale, Judy and Scott were acutely aware of the need for confidentiality. "Confidentiality is normally a concern when selling a business. This was very true in our case!" Judy emphasized. They also understood that finding the right buyer could be a lengthy process, having heard from other entrepreneurs that a typical timeframe of 2-3 years was common.
Andrew Rogerson, owner of Rogerson Business Services, understood these concerns. He assured Judy and Scott that confidentiality would be a top priority. Additionally, he leveraged his extensive network and industry knowledge to identify and pre-screen potential buyers, ensuring that the Shields only interacted with serious and qualified prospects.
"Andrew was amazingly supportive and helpful every step of the way," Judy recounted. "He screened the potential buyers so we only had to spend our precious 'spare time' dealing with those who had actual potential to take over and run the business going forward."
Escrow closed in September 2024 with a successful transition from seller to the new buyer.
Andrew Rogerson signing off the deal by saying: "I’m expecting a big party at the Shields this weekend now the CDTFA is up to date and funds have been released. Please let Scott know I’m expecting his best behavior.😊 Best wishes to Scott and you as you both get set to tackle 2025. Don’t forget to send me a postcard from the Smoky Mountains."
The Buy-Side Journey
Interestingly, a surprising number of potential buyers expressed interest in owning the business but were not keen on actively participating in its day-to-day operations.
"The amount of buyer interest in only spending a couple of hours a week surprised me," Judy admitted. "We spend quite a bit of time and energy taking care of everything involved in a small family business."
This highlighted the growing trend of investors seeking passive ownership opportunities, contrasting sharply with the hands-on dedication that had been the hallmark of the Shields' ownership.
The Seller Journey
Judy described her initial feeling about the process as "very green," acknowledging their lack of experience with selling a business.
They had spoken with brokers who promised a quick sale but ultimately chose Rogerson Business Services based on recommendations from trusted friends.
As they progressed through the process with Andrew's guidance, their comfort level increased.
"As we moved forward, we felt fairly comfortable speaking with prospective buyers, showing the business, and navigating the process as a whole."
THE SELLING PROCESS
NEGOTIATIONS PHASE
During the due diligence phase, a minor issue arose related to the business's sales tax account.
While the Shields had always meticulously paid their taxes and filed reports, a technicality stemming from their transition from a sole proprietorship to a corporation years earlier required them to open a new account.
This experience highlighted the critical importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date legal and financial records throughout the life of a business.
"Have all of your accounts and paperwork in pristine order!" Judy advised future sellers.
FINAL PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The sale of Appliance Parts Center (APC) was a straightforward asset purchase, involving key elements like contract assignments, lease agreements, indemnification, and escrow provisions.
Confidentiality was crucial for the seller, who required all potential buyers to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) managed by the broker before the details were shared. This practice helps prevent business disruptions, employee turnover, and negative impacts on vendors and customers.
Once the definitive agreement is signed, the sale is final.
TRANSACTION MOVE TO THE ESCROW COMPANY
Rogerson Business Services has partnered with Glen Oaks Escrow, a third-party service that specializes in facilitating business ownership transitions for sellers and buyers.
This partnership is particularly essential in California, an escrow state where business sale transactions are required to be managed until they are successfully closed in escrow.
Here are the key takeaways:
- It is crucial to ensure that you have a comprehensive business valuation, and your business broker plays a vital role in this process.
- From the outset, it is important to be well-organized and prepared to undergo extensive due diligence.
- Responsiveness to seller requests is essential to keep the process moving smoothly.
- Building a strong team from the beginning is crucial, as selling your business is an endeavor that requires a collective effort.
By diligently following these key steps, you can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful and smooth sale process for a manufacturing business in California.
With Andrew's skillful negotiation and the Shields' proactive approach to addressing the sales tax account issue, all parties worked collaboratively to ensure a smooth closing process. The sale was successfully finalized on September 28, 2024.
Successful Outcome
The sale of Appliance Parts Center was a resounding success.
The Shields secured a favorable price, found a buyer who was committed to continuing the business's legacy, and ensured the ongoing employment of their valued staff.
The transition was seamless, allowing Judy and Scott to get started on their well-deserved retirement.
Key Takeaways: Judy offered valuable insights for other business owners contemplating a sale:
Preparation is Key: Meticulous record-keeping is paramount. Ensure all financial and legal documents are organized and up-to-date to avoid potential delays or complications during the due diligence process.
Realistic Timelines: Understand that selling a business can take time. Be prepared for a process that could span 2-3 years.
Embrace the Transition: Retirement is a significant life change. Plan for how you'll fill your time and adjust to life after business ownership.
DELIGHTED SELLER
Scott and Judy, a vibrant couple hailing from the sunny city of Sacramento, California, found themselves filled with excitement and enthusiasm as they prepared to start on a transformative journey into a new chapter of their lives. Having successfully sold their appliance parts business—a venture they had nurtured and grown over the years—they were eager to seize the opportunity to pursue their long-held dreams, transforming those aspirations into a tangible reality in the next phase of their life together.
"The retirement! Seriously, we spent over 20 years of our lives dedicated to growing this business and really wanted someone to take over who would be able to carry on and improve while keeping our existing staff employed. We are quite pleased with the transition and wish only the best for all there going forward”
HAPPY BUYER
The buyer of the appliance parts business was absolutely excited at the official conclusion of the escrow process, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. Having been carefully selected by the seller for his outstanding qualities and unwavering commitment to excellence, the buyer approaches this new venture with a sense of purpose and responsibility. The buyer is not only dedicated to upholding the legacy that has been built over the years but is also eager to enhance and expand upon it, ensuring that the business continues to thrive and serves its customers well into the future.
"The buyer secured approval for an SBA loan—marking the exciting beginning of their journey to operate and expand an appliance parts business in Sacramento.”
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