Following is a recent article based on an International Business Brokers Association Study.  We are more optimistic than the study indicates, because we are better off in NH than the market in a lot of the other states.

Survey: 2009 is Business Buyers’ Market

By Crystal Jarvis
Birmingham Business Journal
While the economy is expected to remain weak throughout 2009, there will continue to be plenty of opportunities for individuals and businesses in a position to buy, according to a recently released survey.

The report, published by the International Business Brokers Association, found that 61 percent of the survey participants believe that more businesses will go up for sale in 2009, while 66 percent of the brokers and intermediaries say they will sell more businesses this year compared to 2008.

“While the economy continues to put a damper on business sales, the continuing trend of baby boomers looking to sell and retire will provide opportunities for potential buyers,” said IBBA Chair Andrew Cagnetta, who is also president of Transworld Business Brokers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “The survey of our members indicates that money will continue to be tight and the number of sellers will still easily outpace the number of qualified buyers.”

The survey also found that in a buyer’s market, purchasers are more selective, so it’s important for sellers to make their business more attractive to buyers. Improving cash flow, updating documents and records and determining the company’s actual worth to make the business more attractive to a potential buyer is key to getting the business sold, it said.

The survey of more than 1,750 International Business Brokers Association members showed that more than 37 percent believe the economy will be down significantly this year and another 29 percent believe the economy will be down slightly.

We are really lucky to be in New Hampshire as the economy in the rest of the country continues to unravel!

Our local banks have funds to  finance business purchases.  Unemployment is still at low levels.  While the media frenzy over the problems of the economy has caused a lot of customers to cut back on retail spending, there are still viable businesses available for sale.