Phone
(757)364-0303

Email
h.feder@murphybusiness.com

Scheduled
a call

Closing a Business Deal: Negotiation Strategies That Work

Successful business transactions rarely happen by accident. The deals that close cleanly and hold together through due diligence share a common thread: both parties entered the process with a clear understanding of what they needed, what they could flex on, and how to work through disagreement without derailing the deal. Know What You Actually Need […]

Why People Go Into Business and What It Means for Buyers

Business ownership starts with a decision, and that decision is rarely random. The motivations behind going into business shape how an owner operates, how long they stay, and ultimately how they exit. For anyone looking to buy a business, understanding what drove the original owner matters more than most buyers realize. The Core Motivations Behind […]

EBITDA Explained: What It Means for Your Business Value

EBITDA is one of the most commonly referenced financial metrics in business transactions, yet it is frequently misunderstood or misapplied. Knowing what it actually measures, and where it stops being useful, can make a meaningful difference when you are evaluating a business or preparing for a sale. What EBITDA Actually Measures EBITDA stands for Earnings […]

Selling a Business Successfully: Ten Steps That Get Results

Selling a business is a process that rewards preparation and punishes shortcuts. Owners who approach the sale with a clear plan, organized financials, and realistic expectations consistently achieve better outcomes than those who rush to market unprepared. The steps below outline what that preparation looks like in practice. Start With a Clear Reason to Sell […]

What Buyers Want in a Company Before Making an Offer

Buyers approach acquisitions with a clear checklist in mind. Understanding what drives their decisions gives sellers a significant advantage when preparing a business for sale and negotiating from a position of strength. Earnings Quality Is the Starting Point Before a buyer considers price, they look at the quality of the earnings being presented. This is […]

Buyer Seriousness: How to Identify Who Will Actually Close

Qualifying buyers is one of the most practical skills in business brokerage. Without a reliable way to assess who is genuinely ready to act, sellers and brokers waste time on inquiries that never convert into offers. Why Buyer Qualification Matters Every business listing attracts a range of interest. Some buyers are actively searching with capital […]

What Makes a Business Unique and More Valuable to Buyers

Not every business that generates profit is equally attractive to buyers. What separates a highly sought-after acquisition target from an average listing often comes down to a handful of specific qualities that go well beyond revenue and margins. If you are thinking about buying a business, understanding these qualities helps you identify opportunities with real […]

Selling a Business: What Sellers Need to Know Before They Start

Selling a business involves more moving parts than most owners expect. Understanding how the process works before you enter it puts you in a stronger position to negotiate, avoid delays, and close on favorable terms. The Role of a Business Broker A business broker serves as the transaction specialist between you and a qualified buyer. […]

Buying an Existing Business: Real Advantages Over Starting From Scratch

Acquiring an existing business gives buyers something a startup never can: a verifiable track record. Before a single dollar changes hands, a buyer can review financial history, assess customer retention, and evaluate operational systems that have already been tested in the market. What You Actually Get When You Buy an Existing Business When someone acquires […]

Buy a Business That Fits Your Skills, Budget, and Goals

Buying a business is a financial and personal commitment that deserves a structured evaluation process. Before you get attached to any opportunity, you need to assess three things honestly: whether you can run it, whether you can afford it, and whether it can support your financial needs after the purchase. Start With What You Can […]