Comments on: Timing is everything in a sale of a business.

By: Basil Peters

Basil Peters — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:40:59 +0000

Excellent post, Dave. I completely agree.

If there was just one thing that I could wish investors and entrepreneurs did better, it’s exit timing.

In my experience, most wait too long – it’s our fundamental human nature: http://www.exits-blog.com/timing-your-exit-dont-ride-it-over-the-top/

By: Michael O'Daniel

Michael O'Daniel — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:37:48 +0000

Having come into the dot-com world at the end of the bubble and living through the bust, I can relate — so few companies back then were run by grownups. I believe Mr Berkus showed extreme patience and forebearance — especially after having put hard cash into rescuing the company — in not smacking the CEO upside the head, pulling him aside, and saying to the investor, “what he REALLY meant to say was, of course we’d be happy to accept those terms.” It’s amazing they were still able to sell the company for $60 million.

History is now in the process of repeating itself… Groupon, anyone?

By: Clarence

Clarence — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:12:48 +0000

There is a tendency on my part to think that “luck” play a part in the successful outcome of this particular story. But I have concluded that decisions based on experience, solid business principals and good instincts were the prime reasons for the positive outcome. I would say, however, the company was somewhat lucky to have someone to front the money for the partner settlement and working capital.