Overstream, Inc President in The Charlotte Business Journal....http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/print-edition/2013/01/11/how-can-a-business-broker-help-me-when.html 

How can a business broker help me when I am looking for a company to buy?

StaffCharlotte Business Journal

Jay Offerdahl, co-founder, VR Mergers & Acquisitions: A professional intermediary — also called a business broker — will go through an extensive process to find motivated, cooperative sellers with realistic price expectations so you don’t waste your time.

Buying and selling a business is one of the most emotional events of someone’s life, and going about it blindly is a daunting task. The broker will educate you about pricing and financing, how businesses are valued, the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale, and when to begin due diligence.

Philip Coblenz, president, Overstream Landscaping: Buying a business will not go smoothly without the advice and guidance of a business broker. The broker will help you weed through businesses for sale and recognize those that could be right for you. A broker will assist with the financial analysis and due diligence to evaluate those businesses. You’ll feel confident moving forward because the broker will make sure you are well-informed.

Once you chose a business, the broker will refer you to qualified, impartial, third-party professionals to assist you with financing options, preparation of legal documents and, finally, closing the transaction.

Tom Conroy, small-business counselor, Central Piedmont Community College: Think of a business broker as a combination between a real estate broker and a marriage arranger. A good one can help you in five main ways: 1. Having a catalog and knowledge of businesses available. 2. Preparing businesses to offer them at a realistic price. 3. Presenting possibilities that best match your needs. 4. Facilitating negotiations to reach a deal. 5. Asking the hard questions when you can’t.

Remember, business brokers get paid by the selling party and typically only when there is a deal.

To submit questions, email David Harris at dharris@bizjournals.com.