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If you are looking to finance a business acquisition, you are probably under the assumption that a loan is your best option. However, you may not be aware of all the other choices available to you. This post will cover several business acquisition loan alternatives so that you can make the best financial decision for your future business according to your particular growth quotes.
Seller Financing
Seller financing is a great alternative to business acquisition loans. If you are weary of heading to a big bank to borrow for your new acquisition, this can be an option to consider. The individual selling the business may be able to provide financing opportunities for you. In most cases, this will be the most cost-effective option. Interest rates associated with this type of financing are usually very low. If you are looking for the cheapest alternative to a business acquisition loan from a big bank, this may be the right choice for you.
Small Business Acquisition Loans
While you may not want to consider business acquisition loans at the risk of incurring more business debt, we would be remiss to leave it off this list. Many entrepreneurs and business owners like yourself are not aware that the Small Business Administration, or SBA, actually offers these loans. It is not just bulge bracket banks that are trying to take you for all you are worth. These SBA 7A business acquisition loans are government insured loans. This means that they are much more accessible than most imagine. If you were unaware that business acquisition loans known as 7A loans were backed by the government, you may want to reconsider this option.
Equity Financing
Equity financing is another possible alternative, though it may not be for everyone. If you are looking to buy an established business, and you also own some stocks, this could be a consideration for you. However, if you do not have any holdings, unfortunately this is not an alternative for you. Equity financing involves you, the buyer, selling securities you own to the business owner. This will provide you with the capital you need to operate the acquired business. If you are not sure how this would work, you may want to do some additional research. This can be a great option to consider if you currently own stocks and are looking to acquire a new business.
Angel Investors
Angel investors are another great alternative to big bank business acquisition loans. Angel investors are individuals who will provide you with private loans for a stake in the business. This is an excellent alternative to consider if you already have people interested in your business plan. However, if you do not currently have a plan in place for the business you are looking to acquire, this will be a hindrance to finding investors. Angel investors, or even friends and family, will want to see what you have planned for the business you wish to acquire. If you have a business plan in place and there is outside support for it, angel investors may be an alternative to an acquisition business loan.
Equipment Financing
One last financing option for business acquisition is equipment financing. You may immediately think this is not an alternative worthy of consideration. After all, you intend to acquire an already established business. However, this may still be an option for you. If you are looking to acquire a business that is currently operating with old, broken down machinery you may need to spend quite a bit of capital to improve the situation, which would lead to an increase in the area of fixed expenses. Therefore, instead of taking out a business acquisition loan, you can spend the capital you do have to buy the business. Once you are the owner, you can then finance the necessary equipment and pay for it as your business makes money. This may not be an option for everyone, but equipment financing can be a unique alternative to obtaining a business acquisition loan.
Acquiring an already established business is a smart move. The difficulty lies in finding financing the acquisition. If you were looking for business acquisition loan alternatives, these are the options you have. Seller and equity financing can be great alternatives for you if the business owner is willing to take an alternative route. Angel investors may be a better option for you if you have a solid business plan that has garnered attention for your newest venture. Equipment financing may not be a conventional alternative, but it is still a worthwhile consideration. Now that you are aware of your options, you will be better suited to make the best financial decision for yourself and the future of your acquired business.
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