When dealers decide that they are interested in selling, the next question is often, “How?” Should they try to sell the business themselves by taking unsolicited calls from buyers or brokers? Should they contact their attorney or CPA and ask them to find a buyer? Or should they engage the services of a buy-sell advisory firm? Because dealerships have become so valuable over the past few years, making the correct decision can often mean millions – perhaps tens of millions of dollars – more in purchase price for the seller, as well as a smoother process. Making an uninformed decision can lead to selling for millions of dollars below market value, creating rumors in the marketplace that make their way to competitors/employees/OEMs that could hurt profitability and value or even a failure to find a buyer at all if the seller is talking to the wrong buyers.
