Business Brokers + Realtors
Experts in Business Sales
Ready for the Next Chapter? Contact Us For a Free Valuation.
Summary Valuation
A valuation is always the first step towards selling a business. This is Point A, critical knowledge if you want to get to Point B. We have formal training and experience valuing hundreds of companies using generally accepted valuation methods. We have a standardized approach to ensure consistency. A summary valuation is designed to be a painless process that provides a price range that can be further refined during the listing process. Please reach out if you are interested in a free summary valuation.
Marketing Network
In addition to digital marketing across all the business listing markets we market to our private buyer network that includes serial entrepreneurs, family offices, and private equity investors.
90% Closing Rate
We successfully sell over 90% of the businesses we represent. Our proven process works and we continually improve. That has led to an industry leading closing rate of over 90% success.
Dedicated
To Client Satisfaction
Lighthouse Business Brokers takes client satisfaction seriously. We are dedicated to working diligently towards achieving a successful closing.
WE GOT IT DONE! I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you not only for selling our business but also your professional manner. We truly can say you acted in our best interests, not your own. We know there were several times you could have pushed us into a "bad sale" just to have our business sold. In the end we noted your professionalism, general knowledge on sales of businesses, responsiveness, and marketability to potential buyers. Should any potential client need to discuss this, have them contact me.
Mark K
Rockford, ILI had spent 30 years building my business but I knew it was time to move on. My number one criteria for someone to help me sell was honesty and trust. Andy and Maria were there every step of the way, They always answered the questions and followed up completely. We did not agree on everything but that's what happens in a family. We got to the finish line and what a great journey! Highly recommend Lighthouse. They are people that work with and for you!
Scott M
Hinsdale, ILRunning and selling a business are two distinct actions. We knew how to do the first and not a clue on how to do the second. When approaching a time to sell our family business after 40 years I interviewed no less than a dozen brokers in the Chicago area. When I spoke to Maria, I knew she was the one. She was direct, transparent, knowledgeable, patient and engaging. After a seamless prospectus process, we were set to list our business for sale when, unexpectedly, we had to take a step back and delay the process due to factors beyond our control. The delay was significant, but when we were finally ready Maria quickly picked up the baton and set off to get our business sold. Maria showed nothing but professionalism and a skill set that lends her talents in aiding us to sell our business in a very difficult environment. She was enthusiastic when dealing with potential buyers and worked with all parties to get to a successful and rewarding end for everyone involved. Whether you have a small or large business Maria will go above and beyond for you. She is someone I have come to respect and appreciate.
Lisa
Naperville, ILI started thinking about selling my business in late 2018, I had researched several brokerage firms and came across Lighthouse Business Brokers. So I called and talked to Andy he came out the next day and performed an evaluation on my business at that time. Well fast forward to February 2020, (Talk about bad timing) I decided to pull the trigger and put my company up for sale. I called Andy at Lighthouse Brokers and he came out the next day, and we got the ball rolling. At the time I had several hundred customers and a dozen or more Vendors. Therefore I wanted the business to be marketed appropriately while at the same time keeping the sale confidential. As this was my first time selling a business I was apprehensive regarding the process. I needed someone professional and trustworthy who I felt could get the business sold. During the entire process, Andy kept an open line of communications and always kept me updated. He was always available to talk when I had a question. Also, Andy would screen potential buyers, all buyers were qualified before the information of my business was given. I was very grateful for having a great business agent like Andy during this process.
Robert L.
Elk Grove Village, ILLighthouse was terrific to work with throughout the entire process of selling our business. During our first phone consultation, Maria was very clear about what to expect when selling a business, and she followed through and delivered at every step. We listed our business for sale a few months before the pandemic started, and within a couple of months, we had two solid offers for our full asking price. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and our business took a big hit while we were in due diligence so the buyer pulled out, but Maria was very supportive. As soon as business started to bounce back we revised our listing with them, and they again brought us a great offer within a couple of months of re-listing. I can't thank Maria enough for her hard work in getting our company sold. I frequently look for businesses to buy and have noticed that Lighthouse always seems to have more listings that interest me than any other business broker in Chicago, which is why we chose them to list our business. I'd highly recommend working with Lighthouse whether you are looking to buy a new business or sell your existing business.
Owen L.
Chicago, ILWhen I decided to sell my business, I interviewed several business brokers. I decided to move forward with Lighthouse Business Brokers as I really liked the personal service they offer. From the moment I decided to engage their services, Lighthouse was very prompt in creating the CIM (which looked great and was very accurate), and getting the business on the market. Throughout the process, Maria kept in touch and eventually found a great buyer for my company. I know she had to work closely with my buyer as well, and he was also impressed with her level of service and communication. I would highly recommend Maria and Lighthouse to anyone thinking of selling their business!
Jennifer R.
Chicago, ILMy experience with Lighthouse Business Brokers was the definition of professional. They found the perfect buyer for my business in less than 2 weeks and they provided constant updates throughout every stage of the process, even during the weekends!
Brian M.
Chicago, ILThis was my first time selling a business, but they guided me every step of the way, and his experience was invaluable. From finding the right buyer to managing the negotiations, the end result was exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be happier with my choice to hire LBB.
Steve R.
New York, NYI've worked with other brokers in the past and nothing compares to the experience and expertise that Lighthouse Business Brokers provides. Andy consistently exceeded my expectations on every aspect of the deal and he always put my best interests above anything else.
Michael T.
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Professional Business Brokers
We Sell Businesses + Real Estate
Experienced | Determined | Ethical
Professional Business Brokers
We Sell Businesses + Real Estate
Experienced | Determined | Ethical
Chicago, IL + Austin, TX
At Lighthouse Business Brokers, we specialize in guiding business sellers through the complex process of selling a businesses. Our team is dedicated to providing expert advice, personalized service, and working towards a seamless transactions to help clients achieve their goals. We offer comprehensive support every step of the way and we have the experience and determination to successfully close the transaction.
Custom Tailored Exits
Designed to Maximize Overall Value
Our Experienced Business Brokers Will Guide You Step-by-Step Through the Entire Sales Process
Valuation
It all starts with a valuation. We have years of experience providing valuations for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Formal Engagement
If you decide to move forward the next step is to formalize our engagement with a listing agreement.
Seller Q&A and CIM
We conduct an interview designed to highlight key selling points of your business. Then our team gets to work on the CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum). The CIM is designed to showcase your business and provide the detailed information that a buyer will need to make an informed decision. We get a lot of complements on our CIM's!
Marketing
Once the CIM is approved we are ready to go live. Our marketing is optimized to target real buyers that are actively searching for a business. An NDA is required before any business specific information is shared. We take steps to ensure confidentiality.
Introductions & Tours
Once serious buyers are identified we will coordinate introductions and tours. We are mindful of your time and careful about confidentiality.
Offers / LOI
When offers come in we thoroughly review and present them in a timely manner. We will keep you informed and advise you on all of your options so you can make the best possible decisions.
Negotiations
We will facilitate a professional negotiation. We represent YOU, the seller. We are in your corner and our goal is your goal.
Due Diligence
We will help coordinate an efficient, transparent, and orderly due diligence.
Purchase Agreement
The buyer typically presents the purchase agreement 2-4 weeks after coming to terms on the LOI. It is essential that a qualified attorney reviews all legally binding agreements.
Closing
We help prepare and coordinate with all parties to make sure the closing goes smoothly. This is when the hard work pays off. We wish the new owner continued success!
Navigating Success - Exit Planning 101
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
How do you create value?
Build a great team. It’s that simple. The number one reason businesses don’t sell is because of owner dependency. This is the biggest challenge for many business owners, but it is imperative. Building a team takes time so it’s important to get started now. Most business owners are the MVP of their business. They put in the long hours and they are masters of their craft. They may be jaded because of a bad hire, or they want to save on payroll expense. This may be true, but you need to overcome those challenges because one person cannot do everything and the owner won’t be there for very long after a sale. So, if you want to grow and eventually sell your business for a meaningful price, you will need a team. The litmus test to determine if you are ready to sell is if you can go on a two week vacation (without being glued to your cell phone) and not come back to a crisis. If the answer is no, you need to focus on building your team. Stop trying to do everything yourself. Focus on developing systems and a positive culture, then let your team do the work. Invest in great people and train them to be great at what they do. This will take time. Some people will let you down, but if you hire carefully and train well, you’ll be amazed at what can happen. It is a wonderful thing to provide jobs and help people grow in their careers. Your business will thrive when the team is built. So fire yourself today and start building your great team. Then go on that vacation with the peace of mind knowing your team has everything under control.
There are many other factors that go into exit planning. We know a thing or two about the subject. Please feel free to contact us, we love helping other entrepreneurs.