In simplest terms, a business acquisition loan is funding from a bank to help you purchase a business. Buying a business often takes more capital than entrepreneurs have on hand, which is where banks like Live Oak can help. Lenders have varying requirements, but it’s essential to have a solid business plan, strong personal credit and a passionate, entrepreneurial spirit.
Loan Amount
Up to $5 million +,
varies by loan product
Loan Term
10-25 years
Funding Timeline
60 days on average, depending on customer readiness and real estate involvement
Interest Rate
The prime rate plus a lender percentage
There are multiple steps involved in purchasing a business. Remember that acquisition is simply a more formal banking term we use when discussing the purchase of a business.
With Live Oak, you get a partner who believes in your success and is willing to take the journey alongside you. Here’s the process we’ll take together:
Gather Your Team
Before you embark on an acquisition, it’s wise to have a team of trusted advisors, including a CPA and an attorney. They should have prior experience in acquisition financing.
Explore Financing Options
Lenders who understand the unique aspects of a business will be able to structure the loan to benefit both the buyer and seller.
Determine the Purchase Price/Deal Structure
Agreeing on the purchase price is a fundamental step that should occur early in the process. The purchase price should be based on a combination of asset values, annual revenues, multiples of earnings and other intangible assets.
Sign a Letter of Intent
Sellers often require the buyer to sign a letter of intent, which is an agreement that prohibits the seller from negotiating with other potential buyers.
Secure Financing
A lender will look at the buyer’s personal credit in addition to the financials of the business. How someone manages their personal credit is typically a strong indicator of how they will handle the business’s credit.
Financials
The lender will ask for the following requirements from the buyer:
Due Diligence
As you navigate through the due diligence period, this is the time where the serious research and analysis happens. Make observations and inquiries related to historical financials, business tax returns, customer/client lists, pipeline, marketing and much more.
Close the Deal
At this point, the deal is complete and there is no room for further negotiations. There’s a fairly robust closing checklist that the buyer will need to complete before closing the sale.
There are several factors at play that create a favorable environment for buying a business. From CARES Act incentives to low interest rates, plus the growth potential and glut of Baby Boomers eager to sell, many buyers are seizing the moment and pursuing a purchase.
In simplest terms, an acquisition loan is funding to purchase an existing business or a franchise. Buying a
business often takes more capital than entrepreneurs have on hand, which is where banks like Live Oak can
help. Lenders have varying requirements, so it’s important to have a solid business plan, strong personal credit and a passionate, entrepreneurial spirit. A business acquisition loan would work if you want to:
This depends on which loan product works best for you and your business. SBA loan terms and interest rates vary based on the specific product. In general, SBA rates are some of the most competitive on the market. However, loan rates fluctuate so it’s best to speak with one of Live Oak’s lenders to determine what your interest rate will be. For an SBA 7(a) loan, interest rates are the prime rate which is determined by the Federal Reserve and adjusted on a quarterly basis, plus a lender percentage which is calculated depending on the loan amount and the loan term. Our lending team will gladly walk you through any questions you may have about specific interest rates, depending on the unique needs of your business.
Similar to the specific terms and rates we discussed above, the exact down payment amount will vary depending on your loan. It’s safe to assume that a minimum of 10% of the project amount will be required from the borrower but discuss the specifics with your lender.
There are multiple steps involved in purchasing a business. With Live Oak, you get a partner who believes in your success, and is willing to take the journey alongside you. Here’s the process we’ll take together:
Due diligence is a critical phase of the acquisition deal. Make observations and inquiries related to:
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