This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (5 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (4 pts)
Post a new topic
3 Replies Last post: Apr 1, 2009 11:20 PM by Bridge

Business Partner Wants Out - How to value business

Mar 30, 2009 4:45 PM

Click to view ohk12345's profile Start-up ohk12345 2 posts since
Mar 30, 2009
I have been in business 50/50 (S Corporation) for 16 years. My partner is ready to "retire". For the last 4 years he has not been interested in the business. My fault, I thought the day would come when I would take more time off etc. instead when I am preparing to do that he decides not to continue...I worked double what he did and when something needed done he would call it a day. Probably signs that the partnership was on a slide for awhile.

The business we are in does not have inventory or long term client contracts....we are consultants for oil and gas landwork. The value that has been in the company is the reputation my partner and I have established over the last 16 years. Last year we had the best year ever...this year has been, as for most, less than stellar. He wants me to come up with what I think a reasonable "buyout" would be. Our business is making money but this year could really be a struggle. I think he wants some type of deal where he gets 10% or some % of all future revenue. Because there has been inequality for awhile it is hard for me to stomach that I will continue to work and he will basically still be making money off of me.

Currently, our relationship is friendly but strained. I know that it is time for him to get out because his decision making is short-term and mine is still long-term. This includes how he handles situations with employees and clients. He doesn't care if he upsets or runs them off.

I know generally a company is valued on last few years sales...our gross sales last year were $6MN....this year it may be $1.5 MN at best......that's not net, we pay subcontractors day rate/expenses so there is a lot of cash flow in and out.

At this point, he is talking about being fair, etc. Does anyone have experience with a company situation like this and how best to handle a "buyout"?
Report as inappropriate
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,912 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
1. Re: Business Partner Wants Out - How to value business Mar 30, 2009 6:06 PM
How to value business, Welcome

I am a SCORE Counselor and another counselor is a "Forensic" Accountant.

Since we team our counseling I have sit in with him. His main function is to value the business for people who want to sell, split, or establish a value for an estate.

This is what you should be looking for. Since you did not share a name or location, I have no idea where you are located.

Hope this helps, LUCKIEST
Click to view ohk12345's profile Start-up ohk12345 2 posts since
Mar 30, 2009
2. Re: Business Partner Wants Out - How to value business Mar 31, 2009 9:16 AM
in response to: LUCKIEST

My business is in Parkersburg, WV.
Click to view Bridge's profile Mogul Bridge 359 posts since
Jun 3, 2008
3. Re: Business Partner Wants Out - How to value business Apr 1, 2009 11:20 PM
If your partnership agreement does not has a predetrmined exit formula, "fair" is what each side accept.

Check your partnership agreement for non-compete clauses - you might be best off to shut dow/walk away from the business and start a new one wheere you are 100% owner. If it is a "client" based business, your customers will follow you.

Checck with an attorney on options from a contractula basis - this is probably cheaper than payiing your partner.

As a side note, a business with such a decline in revenues as yours is worth virtually nill on the "market".