Unlocking Opportunities | Maximizing Value

Your Partner in Business Exits

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Business Sales

process

Valuation - What's Your Business is Worth?

A professional valuation is the first step towards a business exit. Even if you're not planning to sell at the moment, knowing and understanding your company's value will identify what can be done now to get the price you deserve when it's time to sell. We recommend doing this early so you have time to prepare. We use benchmarks and data driven techniques to ensure consistent and accurate pricing. Please reach out if you would like us to perform a valuation on your business.

database

Powerful Marketing - Broad Reach and a Private Network

When you list with Lighthouse you get more exposure. We go above and beyond with top tier ads on all listing sites, digital marketing campaigns, targeted outreach, and announcements to our private buyer list. Our proven marketing techniques greatly increase the odds of a successful sale. We follow up on all inquiries promptly and screen buyers to make sure we are protecting the seller's confidentiality. We do not share any business specific information until a buyer has signed an NDA and been pre-screened.

methodology

Proven Selling Process - Refined Every Step of the Way

Our proven selling process has resulted in many successful closings. From the initial meeting to the closing table, we use proven best practices to ensure we get results. Over the years we've learned what works and what doesn't. We are constantly evolving and refining, but we know the process works and we will guide you every step of the way. Our proven process ensures you will get the results you deserve.

100% Dedicated

To Client Satisfaction

Lighthouse Business Brokers takes client satisfaction seriously. We are dedicated to maintaining confidentiality, providing timely communication, delivering on our promises, and working diligently towards achieving the results you deserve.

Professional Business Brokers

We Sell Businesses

Experienced. Ethical. Results Orientated.

local-market

Professional Business Brokers

We Sell Businesses

Experienced. Ethical. Results Orientated.

Chicago, Illinois

Our office is located in Chicago, IL and we focus on listing in Chicago and the surrounding area. We do occasionally list in other states and we provide valuation and advisory services all over the country.

Custom Tailored Exits

Designed to Maximize Overall Value

Our Experienced Business Brokers Will Guide You Step-by-Step
Through the Entire Sales Process

It all starts with a valuation. We have years of experience providing valuations for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

If you decide to move forward the next step is to formalize our engagement with a listing agreement.

We conduct an interview designed to highlight key selling points of your business. Then our team gets to work on the CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum). The CIM is designed to showcase your business and provide the detailed information that a buyer will need to make an informed decision. We get a lot of complements on our CIM's!

Once the CIM is approved we are ready to go live. Our marketing is optimized to target real buyers that are actively searching for a business. An NDA is required before any business specific information is shared. We take steps to ensure confidentiality.

Once serious buyers are identified we will coordinate introductions and tours. We are mindful of your time and careful about confidentiality.

When offers come in we thoroughly review and present them in a timely manner. We will keep you informed and advise you on all of your options so you can make the best possible decisions.

We will facilitate a professional negotiation. We represent YOU, the seller. We are in your corner and our goal is your goal.

We will help coordinate an efficient, transparent, and orderly due diligence.

The buyer typically presents the purchase agreement 2-4 weeks after coming to terms on the LOI. It is essential that a qualified attorney reviews all legally binding agreements.

We help prepare and coordinate with all parties to make sure the closing goes smoothly. This is when the hard work pays off. We wish the new owner continued success!

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Navigating Success - Exit Planning 101

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

How do you create value?

Build a great team. It’s that simple. The number one reason businesses don’t sell is because of owner dependency. This is the biggest challenge for many business owners, but it is imperative. Building a team takes time so it’s important to get started now. Most business owners are the MVP of their business. They put in the long hours and they are masters of their craft. They may be jaded because of a bad hire, or they want to save on payroll expense. This may be true, but you need to overcome those challenges because one person cannot do everything and the owner won’t be there for very long after a sale. So, if you want to grow and eventually sell your business for a meaningful price, you will need a team. The litmus test to determine if you are ready to sell is if you can go on a two week vacation (without being glued to your cell phone) and not come back to a crisis. If the answer is no, you need to focus on building your team. Stop trying to do everything yourself. Focus on developing systems and a positive culture, then let your team do the work. Invest in great people and train them to be great at what they do. This will take time. Some people will let you down, but if you hire carefully and train well, you’ll be amazed at what can happen. It is a wonderful thing to provide jobs and help people grow in their careers. Your business will thrive when the team is built. So fire yourself today and start building your great team. Then go on that vacation with the peace of mind knowing your team has everything under control.

There are many other factors that go into exit planning. We know a thing or two about the subject. Please feel free to contact us, we love helping other entrepreneurs.

How Much

Is Your Business Worth?

Reach out and let's find out.