The questions and answers below are some of the most commonly asked questions.  The list is certainly not all inclusive and the most important questions that we can answer are your questions.  If you have specific questions that you do not see here, please contact us.

Why do I need an investment banker?  I can sell my business myself.

We strive to complement your efforts with our years of experience and ever growing database of contacts.  Just as you are an expert in the skills needed to run your business, an investment banker brings years of experience to the complex area of corporate finance.  Atlanta Capital Partners is able to tap extensive resources in order to quarterback your transaction.  A successful transaction not only requires knowledge of domestic and international buyers, but the ability to orchestrate tax, legal, accounting, and regulatory knowledge .  Making a commitment to hiring Atlanta Capital Partners, LLC often adds credibility to a transaction.

I know my business better than anyone else.  Why do I need someone else to sell it? 

Having an emotional stake in a business can hinder your objectivity in valuation, identifying buyers, marketing the company, and negotiating the best price.  More specifically, it is difficult for an owner of a business not to be influenced by his knowledge of that business.  Your contacts, for instance, are likely to be within your own industry.  Frequently, however, the best price can be obtained from a buyer whom you may not have considered, or by using a financing or acquisition structure with which you may not be familiar. 

I am not sure that an investment banker can get a better deal than I can.

Most buyers of private businesses are skilled and objective in the process of negotiating for the acquisition of companies.  Your business will probably not be the first purchase for potential buyers of your company.  Even though most successful business owners are sophisticated in the art of negotiation, their limited experience with merger and acquisition bargaining techniques may put them at a severe disadvantage.  In addition, head-to-head negotiating can derail or complicate a competitive sale process.

I do not want to give up control of the sale process.

An investment banker gives you more control because he acts as an buffer between you and the buyer.  It is important for a seller to be able to exercise patience, and avoid confrontations with potential buyers over price, until he is ready to decide among offers.  This crucial stage of the sale process is facilitated when an advisor acts as an intermediary, a strategy that keeps you at an arms length.  Atlanta Capital Partners, LLC works closely with all of your advisors, including your accountant and attorney, in the quarterback role to ensure the deal gets done.

What about the fees that investment bankers and financial advisors charge?

Our retainer fee ensures our attention and commitment to your transaction.  Beyond that you pay our standard contingency fee only when a deal closes.  There may also be out-of-pocket expenses during the course of the process. 

The value that Atlanta Capital Partners, LLC adds to your transaction should more than exceed our fees.  Our careful attention to detail will take less of your time and leave you more time to run your business.  Timing is critical in the time value of proceeds ultimately received and in opportunity costs, should market and business conditions move against you.

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