"Classification Talk" by James (Jim) Feddor

Jim, a Senior Business Adviser of Sunbelt Business Advisers, a franchise business sales and acquisition consultancy firm, told us he and spouse Coleen have been  married 24 years and live in Arlington Heights.  When not consulting or enjoying time with Coleen, Jim golfs and fishes.  He and his wife enjoy vacationing...though all too often he receives client calls on his cell phone wherever he is.

Raised in the Chicago area, attending Harper College and the University of New Mexico, he said his real education though was in the business world.  First was in the printing industry, then residential loan financing, commercial lending and now as a business broker with the world’s largest business franchise brokerage.  He said Sunbelt has been the best business brokerage for 15 years in a row, and sells more businesses each year than anyone, and has offices world wide.

He described a 9 step process for selling a business (see “more” below).  The firm has a large data base of active buyers.  About 70% of the business is sales, 30% is buying.  Described some interesting aspects of the business, he said a sale price is often based on 3 years of cash flow (weighted toward the most recent), and a multiple based on industry and popularity.  Often the multiple is 2 to 4 times earnings up to $10,000,000, and somewhat high for larger firms.  Most of his business is with family firms, with most sales taking from 6-9 months.

You can get a copy of his Power Point presentation about his work with Sunbelt, or contact Jim at 150 N. Martingale Rd. – Suite 201, Schaumburg, IL  60173.  847-605-1310, james.feddor@sunbeltnetwork.com , www.chicagosunbelt.com