If you’re looking to purchase a business and need financing to make it happen, there are numerous ways to fund your business acquisition. It can be a complex process, but with careful planning and consideration, you can secure the necessary funds to acquire your desired business.
Here’s a summary of the common methods for financing a business purchase.
Using your savings or personal funds is one of the simplest ways to finance a business purchase. It doesn’t involve taking on debt or giving up equity but can limit your personal financial security. Most buyers use their funds in combination with financing to buy a business.
Bank loans are a popular type of debt financing used to fund a business purchase. They typically require a strong credit history, a well-thought-out business plan and collateral. There are two types of bank loans – secured loans and unsecured loans.
Secured loans require you to provide an asset, such as your home, that the lender will take if you can’t maintain your repayments. These loans are less risky for lenders, so they’re usually cheaper than unsecured loans. However, you could lose your home or asset if you miss the repayments on your loan.
Unsecured loans don’t require assets as security. As the bank lender’s risk increases, the interest rate and borrowing fees are generally higher.
With asset-based lending, you can use the assets of the business you’re purchasing as collateral for a loan. Asset-based loans can include accounts receivable financing, equipment financing or inventory financing.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) funding is a form of financing that connects businesses requiring funds with investors looking for attractive investment returns. Investors lend you money to acquire the business, which you repay monthly with interest.
A commercial mortgage can fund the purchase of business premises or an existing business as a whole. A mortgage loan is secured on the property, which can be repossessed if the business fails.
Before pursuing any financing option, conducting thorough due diligence on the business you’re planning to purchase is important. You might also seek advice from financial advisers, accountants and legal professionals to help you navigate the process successfully.
If you’re buying a business and would like help securing the finance, please get in touch.
