What buyers ask about a Northland company
Is the company growing with the Northland?
New neighborhoods around Liberty, Kearney and Smithville bring new customers. Buyers want to see that growth in your numbers.
Who does the selling?
If you bring in most of the work, buyers worry it leaves with you. A salesperson or estimator who stays helps a lot.
How concentrated are your customers?
A few large customers carrying the company is a risk buyers price in, often by taking that share off the offer.
Are the books clean and current?
Up to date statements that match your tax returns make lenders comfortable and keep diligence short.
What Sells North of the River
The Northland's growth has been good for contractors, home services, landscaping, auto repair, medical and dental practices and restaurants. The area near the airport and along I-35 and I-29 also holds distribution and logistics businesses.
See businesses we value for what buyers check by industry.
Buyers From Both Sides of the River
Buyers for a Northland company come from all over the metro. Some want a foothold north of the river. Others live nearby and want to own a business close to home, usually with an SBA loan and a seller note. See seller financing when you sell a business.
Clay County and Missouri Filings
Liberty is in Clay County, which has its own assessor for business personal property. The rules work much like Jackson County's, where the owner on January 1 reports for the year; check with the Clay County Assessor for their forms and dates.
Your state filings are the same as anywhere in Missouri: tax clearance, final returns and the unemployment account. Start with Missouri Form 943 tax clearance for a business sale.
Part of Kansas City itself lies in Clay County. If your company operates inside Kansas City limits, the city's earnings tax applies too.
A Private Sale in a Small Market
The Northland can feel like a small town. One loose comment at a supplier's counter can reach your crew by lunch.
Keep the sale between you, your broker and your advisors. Buyers get a blind summary first and sign a confidentiality agreement before they learn your name.
Tell staff when closing is close, and explain what will not change. A new owner needs the same people you rely on.
Timing a Retirement Sale
Selling usually takes seven to nine months from hiring a broker to closing, and preparing well can take a year or more before that. If you want to retire at a certain age, count back from there.
Where to Start
Read how selling works for the stages of a sale, then send the form or call (816) 555-0167.