In today’s edition of the link roundup we begin with three articles that look at Google’s recent acquisition of Motorola. All three have a different take and tone. Then we move onto a variety of topics including: the vicious cycle created when businesses are afraid to hire until consumer demand returns; the 10 biggest lies of business school; and an interesting discussion of “ecological mayhem”.
Cash and Corporate Strategics – What Comes Next?
In the latest data released by the Fed, corporate strategics in the U.S. are sitting on an estimated $1.9 trillion in cash. This represents a 35% increase since the first quarter of 2009, or an increase of approximately $489 billion dollars in cash. In some circles, this cash accumulation has been labeled as “excessive,” since investing in growth and hiring new employees have not followed the increase.
However, Treasury Strategies Inc., a leading Treasury consulting firm, takes a different view of this accumulation. Beginning in the first quarter of 2009, companies began to accumulate substantial amounts of cash, which triggered accusations of hoarding. [Read more…]
Key Economic Indicator Remains Positive
Recently it was announced that the nation’s leading seaports continued to see solid gains in overall shipping activity. Port activity is a leading economic indicator because ports are the entry and exit point of goods coming to and leaving this country. Growth in imports obviously indicates that the economy is growing and demand is up. Growth in products being exported tells us that U.S. manufacturers are expanding, which eventually leads to job growth and further economic expansion.
As reported last month, despite the massive earthquake in Japan and rising fuel costs, the Port of Los Angeles reported a 10 percent increase in cargo shipments during the first quarter of 2011. [Read more…]
Supply and Demand: The Baby Boomer Impact on M&A
As most of you are aware, timing is critical in selling a business. A variety of issues beyond your control can have an impact on the eventual sale of your company. External factors – like changes in the economy, availability of funding, and the rise and fall of interest and tax rates – can have a profound effect on the value and salability of a business.
However, a new dynamic must be added to this list: The impact of the pending retirement of millions of baby boomer business owners.
[Read more…]
Documenting Your Company: The Key To Closing A Deal
Many of you are contemplating the sale of your company without the use of an experienced M&A advisor. If you do proceed on your own, it will be critical that you develop accurate and detailed documentation for buyers to review. If you don’t, chances are good that your sale could take far longer, and deals will fall apart repeatedly, as buyers ask you questions you are unable to answer.
In order to make the sales process go more smoothly, we highly recommend that you take the time necessary to thoroughly document your entire operation. [Read more…]