Frequently Asked Questions About Buying, Selling & Valuing a Business

The first step is a confidential conversation with Restaurant Brokers of Minnesota. We can learn about your business, your goals, financial performance, lease or real estate situation, equipment, and other important details. From there, we can discuss potential value, timing, and the steps involved in preparing your business for sale.

Confidentiality is an important part of selling a business. Many owners do not want employees, customers, vendors, landlords, or competitors to know they are considering a sale. RBOMN works to protect sensitive information and can market a business without publicly revealing identifying details until it is appropriate to do so.

The information needed can vary by business, but sellers should generally be prepared to provide financial statements, tax returns, sales information, lease documents, equipment and asset information, staffing details, operating expenses, and other information that may help a potential buyer evaluate the opportunity. Having accurate information available can make the selling process more efficient.

An asking price should be based on more than gross sales alone. Factors may include revenue, cash flow, profitability, lease terms, location, equipment, condition of the business, owner involvement, market demand, comparable sales, real estate, and how easily the operation can transfer to a new owner. RBOMN can help review these factors when discussing a potential asking price.

You can browse the current listings on RestaurantsForSale.com to see available restaurant, bar, hospitality, retail, commercial, and other business opportunities. Because some listings are confidential, the business name, exact address, or other identifying information may not be publicly displayed.

A business owner may not want employees, customers, competitors, vendors, or others to know the business is being offered for sale. For that reason, certain listings are presented without the business name, exact location, or other identifying details. Additional information may be provided to serious or qualified buyers as they move through the inquiry process.

Buyers should consider the complete business opportunity, including sales and cash flow, operating expenses, lease terms, location, equipment, staffing, licenses, competition, condition of the premises, growth potential, and the amount of owner involvement required. Buyers should also conduct their own financial, legal, and operational due diligence before completing a purchase.

Yes. If you have a particular type of business, location, price range, or investment level in mind, contact RBOMN and tell us what you are looking for. We can discuss current opportunities and help identify listings that may fit your goals as a buyer.

A business valuation or appraisal starts with reviewing the factors that influence what a buyer may be willing to pay in the current market. These can include revenue, cash flow, assets, equipment, lease terms, real estate, location, condition, competition, owner involvement, comparable transactions, and current market demand. Restaurant Brokers of Minnesota can help you evaluate these factors and better understand the potential value of your business.

RBOMN provides valuation guidance for restaurants, cafés, bars, taverns, hospitality businesses, motels and lodging properties, retail businesses, commercial buildings, business assets, fixtures, furniture, equipment, leasehold interests, and operating businesses.

A valuation can be useful when preparing to sell a business, considering a purchase, reviewing financing or refinancing options, planning for retirement or an ownership transition, discussing a partnership change or buyout, evaluating a lease or property decision, or simply trying to understand the current market value of a business.

No. You do not need to have made a final decision to sell before contacting RBOMN. Many business owners begin with a confidential conversation simply to understand their options, potential business value, and what the selling process may involve. Starting early can help you make a more informed decision about whether and when to move forward.