Do thoughts of selling your business ever cross your mind? As a business owner you
certainly know that the day will come when you will walk away from your company’s
operations. Selling your business will likely be one of the biggest decisions of your
business life.
No doubt you have a good idea of what your business is worth. But there are many
factors to consider when putting your company on the market. Is now the best time to
sell? Should I look for a cash deal or should I consider certain terms? What about
confidentiality?
Working with a professional business intermediary will provide the expertise to help you
make those decisions. Consider teaming with a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), a
professional who fully understands what it takes to successfully sell a business. A CBI
can bring significant value to the complex process and help you complete a sale that will
include the best possible value and some peace of mind.
A Certified Business Intermediary, or CBI, is the designation awarded by the
International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) to members that have met certain
educational requirements and ethical standards. IBBA, with 1,950 members worldwide,
is the largest international, non-profit association operating exclusively for the benefit of
people and firms engaged in the various aspects of business brokerage and mergers and
acquisitions.
A CBI is an experienced, proven professional whose claim of competence is supported
and documented. With the skills necessary to handle the marketing, negotiations and
complex details involved, a CBI can successfully complete the purchase or sale of your
business.
To earn the CBI designation, an IBBA intermediary must meet the following
requirements:
• Education – A CBI must complete a minimum of 60 class hours of business
brokerage courses offered through IBBA and must demonstrate an ongoing
commitment to professional development through continuing education and
recertification.
• Experience – A CBI must demonstrate competence in the application of
knowledge gained through practical experience with a combined minimum of
three years experience and education in business brokerage.
• Knowledge – A CBI has to demonstrate a high degree of knowledge garnered
through the completion of required courses and the passing of its respective
examination.
• Ethics – A CBI must thoroughly understand the IBBA’s Code of Ethics and apply
the code to his or her business practices.
A higher level of education and training means that a CBI will have more access to
people and information than other business brokers. A CBI has professional affiliations
with hundreds of other intermediaries in addition to the most current industry information
regarding taxes, government and legislation.
A CBI’s experience and knowledge of current marketplace conditions is critically
important for anyone looking to sell a business. If you are considering the sale of your
business, you need every advantage you can garner, primarily preparation, experience
and knowledge.
The International Business Brokers Association is the largest international, non-profit
association operating exclusively for the benefit of people and firms engaged in the
various aspects of a business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. IBBA has 1,950
members worldwide, with corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
©2007 International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) all rights reserved
Permission to reuse any or all of this material should be directed to the IBBA at 888-
686-4442 and is restricted to IBBA members.
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