Valuation Our professional intermediaries have acquired the knowledge and resources to provide the business owner with accurate, up-to-date information in order to arrive at a well-considered opinion of the business value. We prepare a value analysis at no cost to support our recommendations. The business owner is assured through this process that the market value of the business is fully documented and supported prior to entering into discussions with potential buyers.

Confidentiality A business sale is an extremely delicate transaction. Should the sale of the business become public knowledge, the effect on employees, customers and suppliers could be detrimental to the on-going operation. Alliant has developed strict marketing procedures and non-disclosure requirements for prospective buyers and other professional contacts made during the marketing phase which are specifically designed to protect the confidentiality of the transaction.

Marketing Alliant will prepare a professional and confidential marketing program and related materials for each business we represent. The program is designed to attract multiple prospective buyers, on both a local as well as a national and international scope. All advertising is designed to protect the identity of the business, while providing summary operating and financial information essential to generating market interest.

Education An important step in our disciplined process is the screening, qualifying and educating of prospective buyers on the buying process so as to protect the business owner from unnecessary and time-consuming incursions into their business. At the same time, we advise and educate the business owner as to what is expected in terms of reasonable disclosures to qualified prospects. This important step eliminates misunderstandings by both parties during the marketing process, which can often derail negotiations.

Negotiating We represent the business owner in all negotiations related to the sale transaction, and are committed to manage this part of the process to achieve the owner's goals and objectives in a successful sale. In this regard, we work with the owner's other business advisors (CPAs, attorney) to accomplish the best overall result. At the same time, we recognize that a successful transaction can only result when all parties' objectives are met, which often involves facilitating critical decision making by both buyer and seller.

Closing Once price, terms and other agreements have been reached, the critical next step in the sale process is to manage the "due diligence" phase of the buyer's investigation of the business to achieve a successful closing. Alliant takes an active role in this process to insure there are no unforseen roadblocks to completing the transaction. Our business model provides that our fees are paid only when a closing is completed. There are never any "up-front fees" or "retainers" with Alliant.