The Plethora Businesses Blog

Monday Mergers News!

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

In the world of Mergers & Acquisitions, change is a variable that everyone has to get used to. Something can change with the flutter of the wind. That being said, there are also businesses that are announcing mergers often and just as often, that deal changes or falls through (AT&T comes to mind). So let's go over some new news:Pep Boys - that "All-American" brand of auto parts and services might be changing, as they announce their being sold to the Gores Group, a PEG, that also holds the Alliance Group in their portfolio, the largest wholesale distributor of CD, DVD and videogame titles in the United States,US Airways - there are talks that Delta may be making bids on this airline; interesting because just last week US Airways Group Inc. CEO Doug Parker confirmed Wednesday that the Tempe, Ariz.-based airline could be potentially talking deals with bankrupt American Airlines. Bank United - despite having a few interested parties wanting to take a bite, Bank United has taken itself off of the market. Have you heard any more interesting news on these stories? Or maybe you've just heard of another titan merging with someone else. Let us know!

Announcing the Completed Sale of International Logistics Company

2012-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Plethora Businesses announces the completed sale of a transportation logistics company, Key International Shipping. Established over ten years ago and conveniently located near the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the company provides specialized consulting, high-quality logistics and transportation between North and South America. With background in NAFTA and CAFTA documents, this company has a large number of importing customers and global cargo experience.

Screened pre-qualified by Plethora Businesses, the buyer of Key International was an individual who had previously worked with Plethora Businesses.

Plethora Businesses is a leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior-level attention from start-to-finish, Plethora Businesses is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve client objectives.

For more information on completed transactions by Plethora Businesses, or a confidential consultation please contact George Lanza or Rachel Foster at (714) 255-8862.

What's it like to be President of an Mergers and Acquisitions Firm?

2012-01-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

Following up on our last blog post, we're including the link to the radio interview that Plethora Businesses' President, George Lanza did last Wednesday. Whether you're interested in understanding more about the industry or the current financial climate, this is a great and interesting interview. In addition, you get to see the real person behind Plethora Businesses' and we're sure you'll quickly learn why "Plethora Businesses" is synonymous with "deal closers."

Give the interview a listen, especially if you're a business owner who is curious about acquiring another company or begin to see what exit strategies might be available. You'll see why Plethora Businesses is a trusted firm, both in Southern California and nationwide.

Plethora President, George Lanza on Local Radio Show!

2012-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, the offices at Plethora were excited and anxious; Not only have they already had 2 successful closings within the last few weeks, but more are on their way. But yesterday, we were proud for another reason. As the leading M&A firm in Orange County, California, Plethora's President, George Lanza, is a busy man. With a background in ship design, hydraulics, manufacturing and engineering, it's not surprise that his personality is filled with confidence and charisma.

"Pilgrim on the 405" is a web-radio show where listeners received a first-hand chance to get to know George, yesterday. Will Crist, the show's host interviewed him and we're so excited to post it for you on Monday, January 23rd.

If you have questions about knowing the worth of your business or are looking to acquire a new company for your portfolio, please contact us!

Federal Money Heading to Small Businesses

2010-10-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was signed, allowing eligible business owners to borrow up to $5 million with the SBA loan. This is great news for small business! This act opens the door to individuals looking to buy a business in the $5 to $7 million range by facilitating financing and allows many companies to hire new employees, purchase new equipment, or make strategic acquisitions to grow their businesses.

Probably the most important news is that it offers a temporary raise in the guarantee to lenders on 7(a) loans to 90%, providing lender the incentive to lend and waives the guarantee fee until January 1, 2011, saving borrowers thousands of dollars!

If you have considered growing your company by acquiring a business where you can capitalize in the synergies, perhaps of a competitor, or a supplier, now may be the best time!

Plethora Businesses is a leading mergers and acquisitions firm in the city of Orange, and we are happy to meet with you to discuss a strategic acquisition, or how to increase the value of your company.

Contact us at (714) 255-8862 or e-mail George@plethorabusinesses.com if there is anything we can help you with.

For your convenience, I have included the link to the SBA’s press release about the recent changes in SBA lending.

http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/news_release_10-54.pdf

Announcing the Sale of Leading Medical Supply Company

2010-10-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Plethora Businesses announces the sale of a leading medical supply company in Southern California. Established in 1991, the company provides cylinder gas, respiratory and other medical equipment rental services and sales to nursing facilities throughout Southern California.

The buyer of the medical supply company currently owns a home oxygen solutions and services business providing a respiratory line of devices, supplies and oxygen systems. Having purchased the oxygen company through Plethora Businesses in 2009, this additional strategic acquisition creates corporate synergies that will increase production efficiencies and help grow the company.

To complete the ownership transfer, Plethora Businesses consulted with the owner, completed a company valuation, managed negotiations and closed the deal.

Plethora Businesses is a leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior level attention from start to finish, Plethora Businesses is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve clients M&A objectives.

Announcing the Sale of a Prominent Telecommunications Services Company

2010-07-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Plethora Businesses announces the sale of Horizon Telecommunications, a prominent communications services provider with a national footprint, based in Southern California.

Established more than 11 years ago, Horizon specializes in the design, engineering and construction of telecommunications systems.

The buyers are seasoned communications professionals with Fortune 500 management experience, well-versed on operations within the industry. The buyers are excited to acquire this well-established business and propel Horizon into new technologies and opportunities.

To complete the ownership transfer, Plethora Businesses consulted with the owner and completed a company valuation in the early phases of the transaction. After screening and qualifying the buyer, Plethora managed negotiations, assisted in securing funding and closed the deal.

Plethora Businesses is Southern California leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior level attention from start to finish, Plethora is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve client's mergers and acquisitions objectives.

Announcing the Sale of Specialty Glass and Crystal Engraving Company

2010-06-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Plethora Businesses announces the sale of Crystal Galleries II, a specialty glass and crystal engraving business based in Southern California.

Established more than fifteen years ago, Crystal Galleries specializes in custom engraved glass and crystal products. The company has a diversified wholesale and retail customer base and provides services for corporate accounts, walk-in retail customers, and other retailers.

The buyers of Crystal Galleries are two professionals with a high level of management acumen and diversified experience in accounting, sales, and operations. For the buyers, Crystal Galleries is as an excellent opportunity to acquire a well established business that can be easily operated.

To complete the ownership transfer, Plethora Businesses consulted with the owners of Crystal Galleries and completed a company valuation in the early phases of the transaction. After screening and qualifying the buyer, Plethora managed negotiations, assisted in securing funding and closed the deal.

Plethora Businesses is Southern California's leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior level attention from start to finish, Plethora is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve clients' mergers and acquisitions objectives.

M&A Source Conference Has Global Reach

2010-06-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

More than 200 professionals, representing 39 U.S. states and five countries, attended the Spring M&A Source Conference for Professional Development in Orlando, Fla, June 16 and 17, 2010. This event is the M&A Source's semiannual gem - a catalyst for nationwide deal making.

With three new educational courses and a sold out expo, the event was a brewing pot for networking, learning, sharing and pitching ideas.

"For ten years I have religiously attended the M&A Source Conferences twice a year. After every event, I return to my firm with new programs to implement and new leads to follow. My practice has grown considerably due to these conference." says Ron Johnson, M&A Source member, Past IBBA Chair, and chairman of ABI Business Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions.

The conference's M&A Source Expo, a world renowned gathering for Private Equity Groups and deal makers, had over 58 of the nation's most productive Private Equity Companies present; each group actively seeking platform and add-on investments for their portfolios.

"The Expo is the only place I can see so many opportunities presented straight from the source. It's time away from nameless e-mails and advertisements and a great opportunity to develop relationships with professionals across the country," said Kyle Madden, of KLH Capital.

During the conference, George Lanza, 2010 chairman of the M&A Source and president of Plethora Businesses, presented the prestigious designation of Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) to Todd Buchanan, Martha Fouts, Andrew Smith and Frank Stabler. These individuals met the strict educational and transactional requirements to become an M&AMI. Worldwide, there are only 83 professionals that hold this coveted designation.

"It is a great honor to recognize true professionals in our industry that exemplify the highest standards and have met the stringent requirements to be recognized as an exceptional professional and leader in our industry," said Lanza.

Rob Slee, author of Private Capital Markets, founder of Midas Nation, an economist and entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker at the event. He delighted the audience with his mathematical analysis of our current economy and offered insights relating to the recession.

The M&A Source Fall Conference is November 17 and 18, 2010 at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. Visit www.masource.org for registration information.

Announcing the Sale of California Based Niche Plumbing Company

2010-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Plethora Businesses announces the sale of a niche plumbing company based in Southern California.

The company supplies, replaces, repairs and maintains boilers and water-heating equipment. Founded by Richard Debin in 1974, the company has remained a family-owned operation, priding itself in providing exemplary customer service, honesty, fairness, and some of the most highly trained service technicians in Southern California.

Existing manager, Daniel Debin, purchased the company and continues to operate it out of their Corona facility. As president, Debin plans to continue his family's successful legacy and promote the growth of the company.

To complete the ownership transfer, Plethora completed a company valuation and secured multiple offers from qualified prospects. When the owner decided he would prefer to keep the business within the family, Plethora continued to advise and facilitate the intergenerational transfer.

Plethora Businesses is Southern California's leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior level attention from start to finish, Plethora is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve clients M&A objectives.

Announcing the Sale of California Based Custom Lighting Manufacturer

2010-04-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Plethora Businesses announces the sale of Delux Custom Lighting, a custom commercial lighting fixture manufacturer based in Southern California.

Founded 10 years ago, Delux Custom Lighting provides high quality lighting products in coordination with customer design specifications. The company has over 50 independent representatives in nearly every state in the U.S and contracts with all major national distributors. It's portfolio of clients includes retailers, restaurants, schools, libraries, bookstores, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

The buyer of Delux Custom Lighting is a manufacturing engineer with over 20 years of experience with national and local manufacturing companies. He brings to Delux a high level of management acumen and technical expertise.

To complete the ownership transfer, Plethora Businesses consulted with the owner of Delux Custom Lighting and completed a company valuation in the early phases of the transaction. After screening and qualifying the buyer, Plethora managed negotiations, assisted in securing funding and closed the deal.

Plethora Businesses is Southern California's leading M&A firm specializing in business sales, mergers, acquisitions and valuations. Offering senior level attention from start to finish, Plethora is dedicated to developing creative solutions to achieve clients M&A objectives.

For more information on business acquisitions completed by Plethora Businesses, please contact George Lanza at (714)255-8862.

Keep the Sale of Your Busines Confidential - Article From California Association of Business Brokers

2010-03-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

The California Association of Business Brokers (CABB – a non-profit trade organization) wants you to know that in order to get the best price when selling your business, mum’s the word. “Keeping the sale of your business confidential is what business brokers do well and that will help you avoid problems and distractions during the sale process,” stated Ron Hottes, president of CABB and of several Business Team Business Brokerages in California.

Hottes says that announcing the sale can cause unwanted problems. “Generally speaking, the sale of a business can take up to seven months to close,” Hottes stated. “You don’t want problems along the way that can delay the process, distract a buyer, or even worse, cause a buyer to walk away.”

According to Hottes there are four main groups that can affect the sale of your business if word gets out:

Employees. Announcing that you are selling your business can cause problems with employees. They can refuse to be cooperative and cause morale problems, ask for wage increases or bonuses to stay on, or start to look for employment elsewhere. This is unfortunate since a hard-working employee can be a valuable asset to your company. Sometimes in stock sales the employees are never notified of the sale. They are told that the owner is going to start slowing down and a partner is being brought in to manage the business.

Suppliers. During the sale process, any number of things could happen that would put a supplier on edge. If a supplier finds out you are selling, they could get nervous and tighten credit limits, put tighter restrictions on your account, start supplying a competitor or cut off supplying materials altogether.

Customers. If a customer is aware of the sale, they may chose to put a hold on further ordering to see how things develop with the sale. This can also give them cause for concern about whether they will get the same quality of product or service and may decide to check out your competition. This could put a dent in your sales – not something a possible buyer wants to see.

Competitors. If a competitor finds out you are selling from an employee, a supplier or customer they can use that knowledge to their advantage. They can steal key employees, get suppliers to switch and steal customers.

“The best way to keep the sale of your business confidential is to work with an experienced Certified Business Broker,” Hottes stated. “A broker knows how to be discrete and understands that confidentiality is key to getting you the best price. In the end, keeping things quite until the deal is closed is the best route for everyone involved.”

Retrieved from http://blog.oneononebba.com/post/434753476/keep-the-sale-of-your-business-confidential

Jaime Schell Rings the Done Deal Bell

2009-12-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Plethora Businesses office chimed with laughter as a loud, "SORRY EVERYBODY, BUT ITS ABOUT TO GET NOISY!" DING DONG DING DONG!, came from the back hallway. Two weeks after we purchased the Done Deal Bell, Jaime Schell is the first to ring it with the closing of Oxygen Company, sold at $1,075,000 on December 3, 2009.

Congratulations on your Done Deal, Jaime! Way to finish the year strong. We are looking forward to more closings in 2010!

George Touts Success at the Reno Conference

2009-11-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

The M & A / IBBA Conference for Professional Development in Reno, Nevada was a tremendous success! More than 50 Private Equity Groups attended the conference, the most talented deal makers in the world pitched their best opportunities with charisma and poise, and everyone had the opportunity to achieve their networking and business goals. George had more than 40 volunteers show up for a 7:00 a.m. meeting and returned to Plethora Businesses expressing how proud he was to stand among the crowd of M & A Source and IBBA professionals while accepting his appointment as Chairman of M & A Source.

"When I stood behind the lectern to accept my position as Chairperson of M & A Source, I can't express to you how privileged I felt to be standing among so many talented and brilliant individuals who are putting their faith in me and my leadership abilities. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, my company, my involvement with IBBA and M & A Source, and to all who have made contributions along the way. I am truly proud to be part of such an exceptional organization of professionals."- George Lanza

Welcome to the Plethora Business Blog

2009-11-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Plethora Businesses Blog. As you can see at the top of my blog, Plethora Businesses is an intermediary firm for middle market companies. While we are tremendously proud of our expertise and success, we are also very proud to say that we aren't here simply "doing business." We are building relationships and entering people's lives during an extremely challenging and emotional transitional phase; the planning and implementation of buying or selling a business.

Plethora Businesses staff is made up of many talented, ethical and brilliant individuals and I want you to have the opportunity to be a part of our challenges, successes, major events and whatever else comes up over the next couple of years.

My name is Michelle Chittenden and I will be writing most of the content for The Plethora Businesses Blog. I am a public relations graduate from Chapman University and started here at Plethora in September of 2009. I will do the best I can to keep you up-to-date with company happenings, events and information, as well as industry updates that may affect the buy /sell market.

Feel free to follow us, make comments and ask questions. If I can't answer your questions, I will have one of my associates log on or contact you in another form to address your inquiry.