Sell your business

For most people, buying or selling a business is a once in a lifetime transaction. Just like any other major life decision, using an experienced, qualified professional to help manage the process will relieve many of the stresses associated with this type of life-changing event.

Our role

At Chinook, we don’t replace your existing professional support, instead, we work in partnership with your current legal counsel and accountant. We understand that each professional advisor has a role to play in the transaction. For our role, we complete:
  • Strategic Evaluation: Thoroughly assess your business to understand its strengths and opportunities in the market.
  • Confidentiality Assurance: Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the entire process, safeguarding sensitive information.
  • Transaction Success Facilitation: Provide accurate value assessments, develop and execute a robust marketing strategy, identify and assess potential purchasers, and ensure their financial qualification for a successful transaction.

Our process

1

Confidentiality

Our written guarantee, ensuring the utmost confidentiality for all your information.

2

Introduction

We go over what you can expect in terms of service, and learn about your business and plans.

3

Valuation

We analyze 3 years of financial statements and hundreds of market comparables.

4

Engagement

Once you are satisfied with the valuation, we enter a formal engagement agreement.

5

Marketing

We then draft a comprehensive Confidential Information Memorandum.

6

Buyer Search

We advertise to millions of buyers, including our exclusive contacts using a blind profile..

7

Negotiations

When a buyer places an offer on your business, Chinook will facilitate all negotiations.

8

Due Diligence

We will work with you to identify and collect all necessary infromation and documents.

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Recently Sold

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Industry Title Location Intermediary Status
Construction and Manufacturing Construction Products Manufacturer and Supplier Western Canada Mike Lenz SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Luxury Home Furnishing Store Victoria, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Automotive Auto Repair and Service Vancouver Island, BC Dan Kucherka SOLD
Childcare Service Turnkey Playschool Opportunity Victoria, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Education Award Winning Music School Lower Mainland, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing Property Management Company Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Construction and Manufacturing Wood Manufacturing Company Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Established Pet and Farm Supply Business Lower Mainland, BC Mike Lenz, Stephen Boughton SOLD
Health Care Profitable Laser and Skin Clinic Calgary, AB Morgan Tate SOLD
Automotive Oil Change and Automotive Shop Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Childcare Service Highly Profitable and Established Daycare Centre Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Successful Flooring Store Comox Valley, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Technology Managed IT Servies Company Lower Mainland, BC Morgan Tate SOLD
Home Service Exterior Detaling Company Lower Mainland, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Home Service Landscaping Company on Vancouver Island Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Professional Service Environmental Consulting Company Calgary, AB Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Home Service Established and Profitable Painting Company Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Food and Beverage Highly Profitable Pub and Eatery Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Food and Beverage Renowned Cupcake Bakery Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Professional Service Wellness Centre Salon and Spa Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Construction and Manufacturing Home Building and Construction Business Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie, Mike Lenz SOLD
Food and Beverage Trendy, High-End Cafe Vernon, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Home Service Upmarket HVAC Company with Niche Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Established Duradek Dealership Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Transportation Dairy Route on Vancouver Island Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Food and Beverage Airport Cafe Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Professional Service Successful Event Planning Business Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Sport Rental Store Kelowna, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Home Service Leading Carpet Cleaning Company Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Established Jewellery Store Vancouver Island, BC Ramon Ramirez SOLD
Food and Beverage Two Quick-Service Franchises Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Cannabis Retailer Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Flower and Gift Boutique Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD
Food and Beverage Oceanfront Restaurant Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Retail and Wholesale Home Fashion Business Vancouver Island, BC Mike Lenz SOLD
Home Service Profitable Drainage Business Vancouver Island, BC Keith MacKenzie SOLD

Having successfully facilitated the sale of more than 300 businesses, we recognize that it's a collaborative effort. We are grateful for the relationships we've cultivated over the past decade with industry leaders, lenders, and corporate professionals, all of whom play crucial roles in the seamless execution of business transactions.

Frequently
Asked Questions

We understand that when considering our services, you may have specific queries and concerns. That's why we have curated a collection of frequently asked questions.

Can’t find an answer?

How long will it take to sell my business?

Some businesses sell in as little as one week, and some even before they hit the public.  Similar to real estate, if the market is good and the price is right, a business may sell much faster. Our detailed valuations ensure that your business is priced reasonably within the market.

On average, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 18 months for your business to sell, based on numerous factors. We do our best to address all obstacles and prepare for success before we hit the market to achieve the best possible outcome.

How do you keep the sale of my business confidential?

Once your Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) is complete, we draft a "Blind Profile." This is an enticing summary used to attract buyers without revealing the actual business that is for sale.

All buyers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before accessing the CIM or any information about your business. This legally prevents buyers from sharing information about your business to anyone else. You have full control as to whether you accept or reject buyer access to the presentation.

How do you determine my business valuation?

Chinook first works with you to determine exactly how you profit from running your business so that it is clear how much money is available to a new owner. We then consider the market sales data of similarly sized businesses from your industry right across North America. Using this market data, we calculate a justifiable asking price for your business. How do we know if an asking price is justifiable? It must achieve the 3 criteria every business buyer seeks when buying a business:

(1) The business must provide the buyer a living wage,

(2) The profits of the business must cover the payments of any debt used to purchase the business, and

(3) Finally, the business must provide a return on the money they invested into the business (after the buyer pays themselves a salary and covers their debt payments).

Do you charge for the business valuation?

A business valuation is complimentary during our onboarding process. We provide a free market-based estimate of value to each client who is considering an exit as part of our onboarding process.

How much does it cost?

Chinook charges an engagement fee of up to 1% of the asking price of each business. The engagement fee is fully deductible against any success fee owing to Chinook upon the successful sale of the business.

Why do we charge this?
Presenting a business to market requires a tremendous effort. Buyers require a comprehensive understanding of a business before submitting an offer. As Intermediaries, we facilitate this understanding by developing an informative Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), which are typically 30-50 pages in length. While this engagement fee does not cover all of Chinook’s costs to prepare a business sale, it shows a commitment from our client that they are willing and ready to do the work required to achieve a successful sale.

For an example of a CIM, click here.