Dip in California Small Business for Sale Transactions Last Month, Says BizBen Index

    DUBLIN, CA, February 08, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The total of 1,179 small and mid-sized business for sale deals closed in California last month represents a 3.6% decline from the 1,223 completed transactions recorded during January of last year, according to the BizBen Index which tracks transactions involving the sale of small businesses throughout the state.

"Part of the reason fewer deals closed last month is that some of the sale contracts that might have been wrapped up in January were pushed into completion back in December, when possible. That's because many owners wanted to avoid the higher capital gains tax rate they feared would be imposed on transactions with a 2013 close date," said Peter Siegel, MBA, Founder and President of BizBen.com, parent of the BizBen Index. "Although the year is off to a slightly slower start in business transactions, compared to last year, we remain optimistic that we'll see more activity in the market this year than in 2012."

Siegel said, "Easier access to funds from financial institutions will be an important factor in a busier business for sale marketplace throughout the state. 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. It comes with some new imperatives. People who know how to navigate in this environment are at an advantage.

Despite the slowed sales pace last month, some of the state's largest counties posted improved figures when compared to the previous January. The total was 289 Los Angeles County transactions completed last month, up from the 268 transactions rate in January 2012. Orange County posted 129 deals last month and 117 during the same month last year. The January-to-January comparison also was favorable in San Diego County, 132 vs.95; and Santa Clara County, 47 vs. 43 deals.

"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 the 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 disenchanted with the chances of continuous and high paying employment. They're deciding to purchase fast food franchises, auto repair and service shops, retail stores and other small companies so they can control their financial futures."

Siegel said a small business is a company that sells for $2 million or less.

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

Alameda: 32, Amador: 7, Butte: 4, Contra Costa: 36, El Dorado: 3, Fresno: 43, Glenn: 1, Imperial: 3, Kern: 27, Los Angeles: 289, Madera: 2, Marin: 4, Mariposa: 1, Merced: 6, Monterey: 14, Nevada: 5, Orange: 129, Placer: 11, Riverside: 50, Sacramento: 36, San Bernardino: 55, San Diego: 132, San Francisco: 31, San Joaquin: 16, San Luis Obispo: 24, San Mateo: 25, Santa Barbara: 13, Santa Clara: 47, Santa Cruz: 9, Solano: 7, Sonoma: 28, Stanislaus: 27, Sutter: 4, Tehama: 7, Trinity: 1, Tulare: 11, Tuolumne: 4, Ventura: 23, Yolo: 7

The BizBen Index figures, showing the sales rates by city and county throughout the state for the past four years are accessed http://www.bizben.com/stats/stats-total/php.

The BizBen.com website features more than 8,000 California businesses for sale and businesses wanted postings, along with offerings of new franchises and business opportunities. Since 1994 this niche online network and service has proved a valuable tool for thousands of California business buyers, small business owners/sellers, intermediaries, and advisors. The site also includes articles, resources, news and tips, and a daily blog. For the past 15 years, its BizBen Index has collected and reported on business sales statistics, by county and city, throughout the state.

For More Information
Contact: Peter Siegel
Phone: 866-270-6278

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