Published Articles

ASG Principals regularly contribute their expertise to the regional business press.

October 2008: Puget Sound Business Journal
Get a Second Opinion on Company's Price

If you are considering a company appraisal, these guidelines will help you determine what kind of valuation you need, whether you should pay for it, and what experience and qualifications your appraiser should have.

September 2008: ASG Partners Client Success Story
SECO Construction Equipment

If you're thinking of selling your company, you probably have many questions about what the selling process entails. Read this story to find out how it all worked for our clients Mike and Barb Bond, who recently sold their company to a Fortune 500 acquirer.

July 2008: Spokane Journal of Business
Determining an accurate market value for your company

The value of a privately held company can be calculated in so many different ways that the answer to the question “What is my company worth?” depends a great deal on whom, and why, you are asking.

March 2008: Puget Sound Business Journal
Business owners can maximize their return through careful planning

Worries about credit conditions and the current economic climate may weigh heavily on the minds of business owners contemplating a sale in the coming years. But maximizing the value of a private company has less to do with market conditions than with good planning and careful execution of the sale.

October 2007: Puget Sound Business Journal
Business sellers shouldn't fret about credit climate

Subprime lending has tightened, but the pace of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remains relatively unaffected. In fact, global M&A in the first half of 2007 grew by 55 percent over 2006.

April 2007: Portland Business Journal
Out of the blue: Unsolicited offers for your company

When an unsolicited buyer knocks on the door with an offer to buy the company, many owners are understandably pleased. However, the first buyer that approaches you may not be the best buyer.

March 2007: Puget Sound Business Journal
Private equity buyout firms fuel a seller's market

Private equity buyout firms, which raise and invest capital from pension funds, financial institutions and wealthy individuals, raised a record $100 billion in 2006 and, by some estimates, have $750 billion of capital available to invest.

March 2007: Snohomish County Business Journal
Retire well by planning business sale carefully

The successful sale of a business does not happen overnight, and it does not happen by accident. Do your homework, plan ahead and work with the right team in order to realize a successful sale and an enjoyable retirement.

October 2006: Puget Sound Business Journal
Package company for sale through business review

If you own a privately held business, when and how to sell the company is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. Properly packaging your business and selling at the right time are critical factors in achieving liquidity.

September 2006: Portland Business Journal
Don't hang your net worth out to dry without protection

Selling a business involves substantial amounts of money and a wide range of issues including warranties and representations, disclosures and contractual obligations. Follow these tips when selling your business to help minimize litigation issues.

August 2006: Spokane Journal of Business
Why the highest price may not be the most important factor when selling your business

May 2006: Snohomish County Business Journal
Retiring? Get the most for your biz at time of sale

The difference in the cash you keep when selling your business has everything to do with the form of ownership and elective tax status, the nature of the transaction and the tax structuring that you and the buyer agree upon.

May 2006: Puget Sound Business Journal
Business owners should have exit strategy for when they're ready to retire

Many privately owned companies represent a significant portion of the owner's net worth. Consequently, developing and executing a successful exit strategy may be one of the most important things a business owner can do.

April 2006: New Mexico Business Journal
Think strategically when selling business

Some business owners have family members who are willing and able to step in and take over. If you do not, then your strategy probably involves selling your business. Follow these steps to find the right buyer.

March 2006: Puget Sound Business Journal
How to find the right buyer for your business

When the time comes to sell your business, recognize that all buyers are different, and finding the right one is the key to maximizing the value of your estate and ensuring the future success of your employees and customers.

December 2005: Alaska Business Monthly
Become a happy camper in retirement: Seven steps in selling your business

35 million baby boomers are expected to retire between 2000 and 2020. If you are like most business owners planning on retiring in the near future, how you conduct the sale of your business may determine your ability to fund the retirement lifestyle you have earned.

November 2005: Portland Business Journal
Don't forget the legal side of a business acquisition or sale

As a small business owner, your company most likely represents a significant portion of your net worth. That's why it's crucial to minimize the risk of litigation when the time comes to convert your years of hard work into cash.

October 2005: Puget Sound Business Journal
Never too early to start planning your exit strategy

You started your business with dreams of making millions. When the time comes to sell, you will want to keep as many of those after-tax dollars as you possibly can in exchange for your blood, sweat and tears. Advance planning can make a big difference in the amount you pocket after the sale of your business.

July 2005: Puget Sound Business Journal
Mistakes not to make when selling your business

When selling your company, your objective is to get the most money for your blood, sweat, and tears. Here are 10 mistakes not to make when selling your privately owned business.