There is hope. I am finally hearing some positive news from operators and facility managers. In some markets, sales are moving upward. Facility managers are targeting January for the return to the office, but some companies are moving even faster.
Impact on M&A
What does this mean for Mergers & Acquisitions in 2022? From all indications, based on the number of inquiries we are receiving from prospective sellers and buyers, we are going to be busy at VBB Advisors.
Start planning now
As an operator, if you feel that the time is right to sell your business, 2022 is the right time to make a move. November of 2021 is the right time to begin the process, because selling your business is not something that happens overnight. In this particular market, that is a good thing, because your sales will be building, moving in an upward direction, as VBB Advisors markets your company, identifies the best potential buyer for you and works toward closing the deal you deserve.
Excitement ahead
I am personally excited about 2022. There are so many veteran operators who are ready to retire, especially after the brutal business conditions they have endured since March of 2020. I am extremely proud of the many successful deals we have completed at VBB Advisors and look forward to helping so many fine operators make the most important deal of their lives.
Please keep in mind that I have over 30 years of industry experience as an owner, operator, investor and intermediary. My understanding of the operator perspective is just one reason why VBB Advisors has enjoyed so many rave reviews.
What operators are saying about Mike Kelner and VBB Advisors
Greg and Connie Durheim, Fort Worth, TX
Mike Kelner was a Godsend to us, we have been thinking about selling our company for a few years but dreading the process, we procrastinated. We got Mike's number and called it. I cannot believe how fast, professional and kind he was. He found a buyer within a few weeks and we closed in a month. He was with us every step; he always returned calls and emails within minutes. I am so thankful for Mike, he was fantastic! Thank you Mike for everything! You are THE BEST!”
Mark Stein, Mark Vend
"Mike's experience in negotiating both the deal itself and the purchase contract was invaluable to the success of the transaction with the Aramark acquisition here in Chicago. Great work!”
Doug Stuhlman, St. Louis Vendors
“I'm very grateful to Mike for his help. Owner’s usually only get one chance to sell and having Mike's experience was very important to my successful sale. Add to that my employment deal and I am a very satisfied customer!”
Tena Meckstroth, Midwest Refreshment
“Selling your business is one of the most important decisions of your life. When you have made the big decision to sell your business, that’s when you need Mike Kelner.”
Mike Hammergren, Apex Vending
“I was very pleased with the process. Bottom line: he got us out there, he represented our interests and he got us sold – during a tough time period for the industry. I would recommend Mike Kelner in a heartbeat.”
The reviews tell a consistent story
I am very proud of these reviews and I am posting them to make your decision easier. In fact, I just made these reviews the subject of an email blast that was sent out to readers of Vending Market Watch.
Here is the message that I hope you will take away from these rave reviews:
When you decide to sell, choose professionalism, experience and integrity. Choose Mike Kelner and VBB Advisors.
Relevant reasons to consider selling
Several months ago, I wrote about four reasons to sell your business now. Based on everything we are seeing in society and government, those four reasons to sell are still right on target.
Reason #1 – Political Winds – Taxes are pointing upward (2022)
Business will be paying the bill for multi-trillion-dollar legislation. That has been made clear.
Reason #2 – Business Trend - Big players are hungry for acquisitions
I am hearing from the industry’s most active buyers and they see one easy way to recoup sales that in many cases, are lost forever. Their answer for quick growth is by making acquisitions.
Reason #3 – Market Condition - Act before the “tsunami of sellers”
As I wrote more than once this year, “Economists are saying that the sale of privately held businesses by baby boomers could be the largest transfer of wealth in human history. Millions of businesses across all industries will come up for sale in the next 10 years. Convenience services is no exception.”
Reason #4 – Positive Image- Suddenly, we are a technology play
There is whole new category of buyers that is attracted to the convenience services industry because of the exciting technology associated with touch free equipment, smartphone apps, unattended retail and a new breed of high-end refreshment options. They are younger, tech savvy, well capitalized and attracted to recurring revenue opportunities.
Our Philosophy at VBB Advisors
“No matter what is going on with the economy or the world, it is time to sell your business if you are ready and we can make the right deal, a deal that makes sense for you, your family and your company.”
My philosophy is driven by the fact that I do not represent buyers. I represent sellers. Operators just like you. Please consider what that means for you. I am not interested in just making a deal. I will not be jockeying from one side of the table to the other. I do not subscribe to the idea that a deal requires both sides to feel a little pain. As the seller – you know what you need to receive to move on, to retire, to go in a different direction – comfortably.
We never lose sight of the fact that there is more than one buyer out there for your business. This is a defining characteristic of a “sell side broker.”
That is why I offer free resources like the 2021 Exit Strategy Planner. I want you to have your eyes wide open when you consider whether it is time to sell your business.
NOW AVAILABLE - ORDER MY FREE 2021 EXIT STRATEGY PLANNER
Buyers come to me because they know that I serve sellers who have thoroughly and thoughtfully considered their exit strategy with my help. That is the type of seller that you want to be – a seller who has their ducks in order, has taken steps to make their business as attractive as possible and a seller who values their employees enough to make a deal that everyone will feel good about.
Take that critical first step. That is often the toughest one to take.
Order my free 2021 Exit Strategy Planner. At the very least, it will provoke some thought, and this is a good time to think about your future.
Why make VBB Advisors a part of your team?
There are at least three very good reasons to talk to me about being a part of your team for this important chapter of your business journey.
- Experience – I have done more significant deals than any other business broker in our industry.
- Access to buyers – Throughout the pandemic, I have been in ongoing discussions with potential buyers, from both inside and outside the industry.
- We are a sell side broker – We only represent the seller. Everything we do is on behalf of the seller.
Whatever your reasons are to sell your company - the timing, the current frustration, the desire to enjoy life or an interest in rewarding yourself for years of hard work – VBB Advisors can help you realize your goals.
I am Mike Kelner, the leading sell side intermediary in the convenience services industry. Contact me for a confidential conversation and to explore the possibilities.
