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EXPLORING STRATEGIC OPTIONS

There are many options to consider as the ultimate goal for the year of hard work building and growing your company. For mature and profitable healthcare businesses today there are many strategic options to consider. These options include acquisitions, merger, divestiture and recapitalization. Each of these options require careful consideration to determine what is the best fit for the stakeholders goals for the business.

Should you consider a buyer or an investor? If your goal is to sell and ride off into the sunset, then your focus should be on a divestiture. If your interest is in taking chips off the table while continuing to grow the business over the next three to five years, then a recapitalization may be the best path for you. Each option has differing effects on valuation, the process and the pathway to a successful closing.

Acquisitions Sell / Divestiture Recapitalization

Exit strategy planning is one of the most overlooked - and most important aspects - of a business owner's dream. You would not read all but the last chapter of a book... nor should you ignore the final chapter in your business ownership. Before reaching for the door...

You have worked for years to build your business.... your "baby", which would provide something tangible for those retirement years. Now, after carefully assessing the results of past achievements and plans for the future and the appetite of the marketplace, you decide to pursue a sale. So, is now not only a good time but the right time to sell your business?

The answer to this question will take some careful analysis and perspective of the current market environment specific to your business (and some soul searching). It is key to understand the many factors which not only impact the valuation of the business but also the net result to you and your stakeholders at the closing table. A few key thoughts to consider:

Your Goals - What are your goals for your ownership of the business? Do you have an exit strategy in mind? It is difficult to get somewhere if you don't know the destination. Do you want to retire after the sale or are you looking to take some serious chips off the table but stay in the game?

Business Performance - The single largest factor that will determine the valuation of your business is its performance. Not just historically but current results (we use a rolling, trailing twelve month snapshot as part of our analysis). Are your revenues and the level of profitability sustainable? What are the prospects on the horizon? The best time to sell your business (with the other factors considered) is when it is doing well, growing and has not met full capacity (peaking). Buyers like to invest and value business higher when they can see that the business will peak while on their watch.

Buyers and Investors "The Market" - Although it only takes one buyer to make the sale, multiple buyers with a strong appetite for your specific business drives valuation and the ability to consummate the transaction in a timely manner. The market flows in cycles (some of which are not always predictable) and it is imperative to seek counsel from professionals (such as Paragon Ventures) on the current market perspectives, valuation, transaction structures and other details... again, for your specific business.

Although there are many "rules of thumb" that are quoted, the determination of when is a good (right) time to sell your business is very specific to your own criteria and the factors which impact the ultimate transaction for your business.

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Click on the slide below for a presentation on "When is the RIGHT time to sell?"

For more information please contact Paragon Ventures

800-719-1555

The Private Equity Option

“Take significant chips off the table.”

“Rapidly grow and propel the business to the next level.”

“Keep the team intact and the dream alive.”

“Take a second bite of the apple”

Private equity represents another interesting option for business owners looking for growth capital, strategic sponsor and/or as part of a tiered exit strategy. Many people don't realize the role that private equity plays in the world. The fact is that private equity investments (both current and past) are behind some of the worlds most well-known and successful companies.

Private equity investments total hundreds of billions of dollars each year and a significant and growing percentage is targeted for healthcare organizations. You may not know the private equity firms behind them; however, you are familiar with the brands they have built. Each of these successful companies (and thousands more like them) have been funded or recapitalized with private equity since their original inception:

Paragon Ventures maintains contact with over 3,500 private equity firms which have been prequalified with committed capital and healthcare related business. These firm are not just financial investors, they are strategic private equity focused on our industry and the opportunities healthcare companies represent.

The graphic below highlights a simplified outline of how a private equity transaction works for a privately held business.

Whether you are looking at purchasing a business or trying to sell your own company, we are committed to facilitating the process from beginning to end. We have developed the effective strategies, proven processes and extensive buyer relationships which deliver the maximum Real Value® for our clients during the sale or merger of their company. Our client reference list is available upon request, please call 800-719-1555 or complete our on-line inquiry form.

Paragon Ventures • 104 South Wayne Ave # 415 • Wayne • PA • 19087 PH: 800-719-1555 FX: 610-771-4101

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