The activity in buying and selling private security companies is very intense today. We frequently receive calls from owners thinking about selling their companies who ask about the sale process and valuation techniques. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with Robert Perry's answers. This presentation is primarily for the conditions in the United States market, although we represent sellers in other countries as well.

Is now a good time to sell my contract security company, or should I wait?
How can I determine if my company is saleable and what can I do to make it more attractive?
How is the selling price determined?
How does the sales trend over the last few years affect the value of my company?
Does your firm tell the owner what to expect in the way of price and terms before accepting the engagement to manage the sale?
How long does it usually take your firm to sell a contract security company?
If I want to sell my company, why retain your firm to manage the sale? Why not negotiate directly with buyers, or through a local business broker?
Your only office is located on the East Coast of the U.S. How can you effectively represent sellers who may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, or in other countries?
I want to set up a joint venture arrangement with an international security company with the resources to service other worldwide locations for a very important client and then take an executive position with the joint venture partner. Can your firm handle this assignment? If so, how would you handle the representation, since we're located half the way around the world from your single headquarters office? (From a recent caller from Israel.)
What size companies does your firm represent?