ASG Partners Quarterly Newsletter, Q3 2008

Q3 Analysis: Good News, Bad News

For the last several quarters we have commented on the health of the Merger & Acquisition (M&A) market, and the market for privately held companies in particular. The themes have been consistent: M&A activity this year has been slower than last year, particularly when it comes to the mega-transactions that set records in 2007. However, the market for privately held companies has remained strong, fueled by strategic acquirers who are using cash reserves to grow and by private equity firms with a desire to put their capital to work.

As has been the case for the last several quarters, our conclusions for Q3 are a mix of good news and bad news.

Guest Expert: Wealth Management

Each Quarter, ASG Partners brings you an interview with an expert professional. For this newsletter we spoke with David Drews, Managing Director and Client Manager at Cornerstone Advisors. David shared his views on planning how to invest the cash windfall that comes with a company sale, what to look for in an advisor, and when to start considering these important decisions.

Read the Wealth Management Interview.>>

ASG's Advice: Crafting a Succession Plan

If you are considering selling your company, securing a management team that will keep things running smoothly after you leave is one of the most important things you can do. Because potential buyers will want your company's success to continue even after you are gone, the day you start to consider a future sale is the day you should begin formulating a succession plan. This article from Paul Keller explains how to take the first steps toward creating a management succession plan for your company.

Learn More About Succession Planning.>>

Client Highlight: SECO Construction Equipment

Mike and Barb Bond's goal had always been to retire around the age of 55. High school sweethearts before they were business partners, the Bonds purchased SECO Construction Equipment, a heavy equipment rental company, in 1989. In 2008, ASG Partners helped Mike and Barb successfully sell their company and transition into retirement.

Read Their Story.>>

ASG Partners In The News

Principals from ASG Partners contributed two articles to the regional business press in Q3:

Determining an accurate market value for your business
by Ed Kirk, in the Spokane Journal of Business, July 24, 2008

Get a second opinion on company's price
by Mike Grubb, in the Puget Sound Business Journal, October 2, 2008

Annual ASG Partners Conference

Each year, ASG Partners presents a highly informative full-day conference on Planning the Successful Sale of a Privately Held Business exclusively for company owners. The agenda includes such topics as maximizing the value of your company, determining the worth of your business, how to get the best tax treatment when you sell your business, and planning ahead for a sale. This year's conference will take place on November 11 in Seattle, November 13 in Spokane and November 18 in Portland.

Get More Information and Register.>>

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