The decision to sell a landscape business that you have spent years building is not one to be taken lightly. It represents a significant change, not just for you, but also for your employees and the brand you’ve established. There are multiple factors to consider in this process, and we’ve outlined four critical ones below to help guide you on this journey.
1. Your Team
As a business owner, you understand that your employees are the heart and soul of your company. They’ve been with you through thick and thin, contributing significantly to the success of your enterprise. Therefore, how they will be treated post-acquisition is an essential factor to consider when selling your business.
A potential acquirer should not only be interested in your business’s financial health but also in the well-being of your employees. They should be committed to maintaining the staff and preserving the company culture. This includes continued career growth opportunities, benefits, and respect for the skill set each employee brings. After all, these are the people who have helped the business grow and thrive.
2. Your Brand
Your brand is a reflection of your business’s identity and the relationship you’ve cultivated with your customers. A change in ownership shouldn’t compromise the reputation you’ve painstakingly built over the years. Look for a buyer whos understands the value of your brand and is committed to maintaining its integrity.
Potential partners should respect your company’s brand identity, its unique selling points, and its position in the market. If possible, interview some of the companies that were recently purchased to get a better understanding of the process. The acquiring company should not try to overshadow the brand’s reputation, but rather to enhance it, ensuring that your business continues to thrive and provide value to its customers.
3. Your Experience
As the owner of a landscape business, you have acquired a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and expertise. This information is valuable and should be recognized by any potential buyer. A good partner has real experience in the industry and understands how to make your business successful –they should value your experience and insights, and be interested in.
Should you choose to stay onboard post-sale, your role should be significant and meaningful. Whether you act as a consultant, take up a management position, or contribute in any other capacity, your experience should be valued and utilized effectively.
4. Your Role Post-Acquisition
Your role in the company following the sale is another key consideration. This largely depends on your personal goals and desires. Some owners may want to step away completely, while others might wish to stay on in some capacity, whether in a leadership role, as a consultant, or in a new role that leverages your expertise.
Clarify your desired role post-acquisition early on in discussions with potential buyers. It’s crucial to establish mutual expectations and understandings from the outset. You want to ensure that you can continue to contribute to the company’s direction and success, if that’s your preference.
Selling your landscape business is a major decision and one that requires careful thought and planning. By keeping these four factors in mind, you can help ensure a smoother transition and find a partner that respects your employees, preserves your brand’s reputation, acknowledges your industry expertise, and understands your desired role post-acquisition.
The sale of your business is not just a financial transaction; it’s the passing on of a legacy that you have built. Make sure it goes into the hands of a partner who will uphold and build upon that legacy.
About KeyServ Company
KeyServ was started by green-industry veteran Jeff Domenick in partnership with Kidd and Company. The leadership team at KeyServ is represented by landscape industry pros with over 25 years of landscape industry experience and a recent track record that demonstrates its success in making acquisitions of large residential and light commercial businesses. With a team staffed by lifetime green industry professionals, KeyServ has a deep understanding of the landscape business.
About Kidd & Company, LLC (KCO)
Kidd & Company is a family-owned private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT. It operates as a private equity firm and is involved in the acquisition and management of mid-sized companies. Kidd & Company looks to invest in and grow companies in various sectors, seeking to add value by working closely with management teams to develop and execute growth strategies.
Grow with us!
If you’re thinking about selling your landscape business, consider KeyServ. They offer respect for your employees, protection for your brand’s reputation, acknowledgement of your industry expertise, and a significant role for you post-acquisition, if that’s your preference.
To learn more about KeyServ’s core values and the transaction process, contact Jeff Domenick at info@keyserv.com. Explore the opportunity to join the ranks of those who have seen their businesses flourish under KeyServ’s partnership. Because at KeyServ, they believe that in partnerships, we grow together. Visit us at www.keyservco.com for more information.