[valuegram]

In my opinion, the first step is to collect information. It won't hurt to see what interest there is for selling the business... from there crunch the numbers on what you think you can generate on your own. Then it's a matter of what you think is more profitable. If you don't find the acquisition offers suitable, Scenario 2 is always a good option, because in general the more profit you're generating from the business, the greater the valuation. Step 2 could be a good intermediate step before Step 1. I'd imagine in either scenario, there's the capability for you to be more hands-off, which it sounds like its one of your ultimate goals.

[next20years]

Thank you valuegram!

[next20years]

One follow-up question--do you have thoughts on how to float interest among interested buyers? Or, once I have identified a potential set of buyers, how to propose that I'm open to an acquisition?

Thanks! I'm a newbie to M&A as well.