First on the agenda: M&A

The weak economy is the greatest obstacle to M&A activity, according to 45% of the investment bankers, private equity professionals, corporate development executives, lawyers, accountants and business consultants polled.

Source: Association for Corporate Growth-
Thomson Reuters Mid-Year 2008 DealMakers Survey.


68% of middle-market merger professionals say the current market is a buyer’s market.

75% said it was a seller’s market in June 2007.

Source: Association for Corporate Growth-
Thomson Reuters Mid-Year 2008 DealMakers Survey.

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64% of family business decision makers say they have regular, formal valuations of the worth of their business.

Source: 2007 American Family Business Survey.


Family business owners likely to sell

9.1% of family businesses reported that they “strongly disagree” with this statement: “Senior generation wants business to stay in family.”

13% of family businesses reported that they “strongly disagree” with this statement: “Next generation committed to business ownership.”

Source: Laird Norton Tyee Family Business Survey 2007,
a survey of family business leaders throughout the U.S.


Facilitators of M&A in the current market

• Capital reserves of some acquirers

• Good multiples for acquirers

• Distressed deals

Source: Association for Corporate Growth-
Thomson Reuters Mid-Year 2008 DealMakers Survey.


Top 3 exit planning objectives cited by at least two-thirds of owners

• Achieving personal financial security

• Maintaining harmony within my family

• Achieving the maximum value for the business

Source: Nationwide survey of closely held business owners
commissioned by Atlanta-based White Horse Advisors
in cooperation with Vistage International.


Exit planning concerns cited by about 8 in 10 owners:

• Minimizing taxes

• Adequately determining the value of the company

• Meeting other part-owners’ objectives

Source: Nationwide survey of closely held business owners
commissioned by Atlanta-based White Horse Advisors
in cooperation with Vistage International.


27% of family business respondents say the availability of additional venture capital funds to back expansion is “quite important” or “very important.”

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Family Business Survey, 2007.

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