Ok guys time for an org poll.

I have been approached by another business and they have asked if I want to sell up my business to them. The great thing is that they are offering me 50% equity in the new combined business, a good package and huge financial backing to grow things. I am really tempted.
What do you guys reckon?

go for it. that's what i say. but the most important thing is to ask yourself:


what would eddie murphy do?

XxAxX said:

That is a question I had not yet asked myself, I will ponder it for a while and let you know what I think

mdiver said:

i'm glad i could help. i often ask myself this questions and so far the insights i've received have been nothing but helpful.

do the benefits outweigh the (assumed) loss of control you'd experience by selling-up? If so, then DO IT!

XxAxX said:

y'all are SILLY!

Buisness?? You are asking the wrong people I say that if they want to buy you there are two reasons - 1. they see future potential for growth with your company and want to get their sticy mits on it. 2. They see you as a threat and want to eliminate that thread by joining.

Both indicate you are doing ok as you are.

But what do i know.....

endorphin74 said:

Most definately yes. I actually am 50-50 owner of 2 businesses and they are currently going in different directions so actually the plan is to trade off my 50% of the business I want for the 50% of the business I don't want. No cost to me and I am then 100% owner of the one I do want. I then sell 50% in effect of my business to these guys. So in actuality I get a lump sum, security and I still own myoriginal 50% so I can see no drawbacks...as yet

mdiver said:

Thats a different story? But wouldn't it be better still to just keep the new 50% and be 100% in control?

XxAxX said:

and if Eddie doesn't answer, ask Brian Boitano.....
[Edited 11/23/04 7:05am]

PREDOMINANT said:

Possibly and that is my dilemma but the way I see it is that I am no worse off,in fact I am better off as I have a lump sum (at 32 that aint bad) and the financial backing of a bigger company/partner to grow the business as I see fit.

abierman said:

I need to watch South Park it will focus me

mdiver said:

So many variables here. My main concern would be loss of control to an entity that may or may not steer the business well. 50% of nothing = nothing.

gaze into this crystal ball ...

Ace said:

These guys are not some schmoes off the street. I have worked with them for 5 years and know them very well. The last business they had sold for 75million inside 5 years

Mach said:

All I see is my own blood shot eyes

mdiver said:

damn ... that sux



SELL SELL SELL .. then

Mach said:

Thanks sweetie hows tricks?

mdiver said:

OMG

i forgot about my TRICKS

damn




life is great ... hows U ? ..

oh yeah ...blood shot eyes

Mach said:

Doin good but worried about which way to jump!

You should probably consult a lawyer that deals with this kind of things, have him look over the proposal and see what the deal actually entitles, there is more than like more to it than you think.

It sounds like a sweet deal, but I would be ever so cautious especially when it comes to big businesses.

Good Luck!

ella731 said:

You think like me, that is already in motion, if I do this all the t's will be crossed and the i's dotted. I have been ripped off before

mdiver said:

If you are confident that they are right for this business, then I think you have your answer.

Ace said:

Thanks mate your input is helpful

mdiver said:

Keep in mind that, as somebody posted above, they obviously see a great potential in your biz and perhaps you don't need them to accomplish the growth they are foreseeing. Remember that they aren't in it out of the kindess of their own hearts. Perhaps you might want to try negotiating a deal that gives you more control?

Just be prepared to lose control--and possibly watch the business go in some direction against your good judgment. I've had partners that drove the company off the road, straight over a cliff, and into the toilet. I couldn't stop them because I didn't own the majority of shares. But people and circumstances vary...I suppose a lot of it has to do with trust.

Ace said:

Yes that thought has crossed my mind. Although I (and they) seem to view this more as a merger to strengthen both businesses than as a takeover.That is why I am interested plus there is no way that I can grow the business as I want to without a major cash injection so that is a consideration. However one thing I will not do is be in any less of a position than at least 50% owner

mdiver said:

Keep in mind that you might be able to raise this cash from an alternate source.

Ace said:

Yes that is a possibility