The total of 27 small and mid-sized business for sale offerings sold in Stanislaus County last month, represents 10 percent fewer deals than the 30 transactions concluded during January 2012, according to the BizBen Index. The company also reported the statewide business sales count in January was 1,179, a decline of 3.6 percent from the 1,223 transactions completed during the same month last year.
"Although the year is off to a slower start in business transactions both in Stanislaus County and statewide, compared to last year, we remain optimistic that there will be more sales activity in the market this year than in 2012," said Peter Siegel, founder and president of BizBen.com, parent of the BizBen Index. He defines a small business as one that sells for $2 million or less.
"Easier access to funds from financial institutions will be an important factor in a more active business for sale marketplace throughout the state. Financial institutions aren't handing out cash like they did before the mortgage meltdown. But many are starting to loosen up on the purse strings and make loans for solid deals.
"And we're seeing more innovative strategies being used by smart California entrepreneurs. Fresh approaches are needed to overcome some of the deal killers we've had to cope with in the past few years. This is a New Economy for participants in the small business for sale market in California. And it comes with some new challenges. People who are figuring out how to adapt to this environment are giving themselves an important competitive advantage."
Modesto registered 25 completed business transfers last month. Other active markets in Stanislaus County included Ceres with six deals and Empire with three. Oakdale and Turlock each recorded one business sale last month. The BizBen Index Report covering Stanislaus County's January business sales figures, is found at: http://www.bizben.com/stats/stanislaus-county.php
"The long term picture for the California small business transfer market looks very promising," said Siegel. "More businesses are starting to become available for sale because members of the large population of baby boomer business owners are starting to retire. And simultaneously, the demand curve is rising as more Californians are becoming disenchanted with the chances of continuous and high paying employment. They're deciding to purchase fast food franchises, auto service shops, retail stores and other small companies so they can control their financial futures."
The California business sales totals for January 2013, by county, are noted below and available at: http://www.bizben.com/stats/stats-monthly-jan.php