Wow, Gordon I really appreciate your knowledge & research! What type of distressed businesses does Sherman focus on, which would qualify as a suitcase business?

Yes, I signed up to read his blog etc. However, I have not found any specifics. I understand the concept of stored value. I like the idea, but what is the reality? Is Sherman over simplifying this?

Have you listened to any of Art Hamel interviews by Michael Senoff? He specializes in buying specific types of manufacturing businesses because you can use finance the assets & get owner financing.

However, it does not sound like an opportunity Harvey would pursue. Bog down & too time consuming?

Art Hamel says:

"In manufacturing, you have to buy equipment, lots of it. You need lots
of inventory. You end up with a lot of accounts receivable, which
means a lot of people owe you money. So, when you’re in there, and
you have X number of dollars, lots of dollars invested in assets, it’s
very difficult for somebody or people generally to go in and compete
with you.

Why? It’s too costly"

Don’t go after service and retail businesses. There a dime a dozen & too easy to enter into.


“I have to ask you (Wannabe business buyers)three questions.

First of all, do you have any business experience? Number two, do you
have any management experience? Number three, do you have any
money? Now, if you don’t’ have two of these, you’re screwed.


Additionally, Art Hamel says:

"What are three things I have to have in place in order to value
companies correctly, purchase them, and then operate them towards a
more profitable future... And where can I locate the right people with that
expertise to be on my team?"

"First of all, in every transaction, you’re going to need a CPA, a good
one, and a CPA that understands business. Don’t go to some CPA
that’s working for General Motors. You’ve seen the job that they’ve
done.

What you want is a nice CPA who’s done a lot of work with smaller
businesses, that has experience in that, and has also done audits or
checking on sales of businesses.

You also want an attorney that is used to putting business transactions
together, not somebody that is an expert in law that has to do with
divorces. You want two experts in your court.

Now, the problem is they are the exception rather than the rule. So,
you’re going to have to rely on your attorney, your CPA, and also other
business owners because what’s going to happen is if you’re looking at
electronics manufacturing companies, you’re not going to buy the first
one you run into."

Sounds very complex & time consuming to me.

Gordon, any idea what Sherman considers an Ideal distressed business to acquire as a suitcase business?