1. The Best Ways to Find Companies to Buy
When you decide to buy a company and you begin to search for the perfect company you will
quickly recognize to be successful you’ll need two main skill sets:
1. The ability to find companies for sale that is viable.
2. The ability to successfully qualify the potential acquisition once you find a company that
appears right.
Want to use a FREE Online Invoicing Tool? Check out Apptivo’s Online Invoicing
Software
We’re going to examine the first step. Finding companies those are viable. It begins with you
defining your criteria for purchasing a business and then pursuing only companies for sale that fit
that criterion. As the buyer, you need to use what’s at your disposal to place yourself in the
position to have the first shot at the acquisition of the company and to do it in a manner that’s
cost effective.
When you are actively pursuing the acquisition of a company you simply don’t know where the
next great deal will be found. It may be discovered while reading the paper, by word-of-mouth,
or when you visit website. Here are the best ways to find companies for sale:
Investment Banker Websites
Investment Bankers
Venture Capital Firms
Newspapers listings in local, regional, and national papers as well as industry papers
Business Associates
Bank Trust Departments
Commercial Banks
Consultants
Associations
Printed and electronic business directories
Business Brokerage Websites
Product suppliers
Trade Shows
Accountants
Corporate Officers
Networking Meetings
Newsletters
Online Ezines
Technology Licensors
Magazines
Directory of Board Members
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.

2. These are just a few of the means available to you to acquire a business for sale. Don’t be afraid
to be creative in finding ways to locate businesses for sale that fit your criteria. The internet has
changed the way we look to acquire a business, and there’s always the option of online
businesses.
You will need to be diligent and proactive whenever possible. You can receive notices via faxing
or emailing. The internet is the easiest way and it’s cheap. There are a number of e-commerce
sites that are designed to promote businesses for sale.
When you are thinking about acquiring an existing business, you need to cut through those
companies that aren’t relevant otherwise; you might find yourself wasting a lot of time. Once
you’ve narrowed down the list and you think you’ve found the perfect match for you, make sure
to call in the experts including your attorney and your accountant.
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.