Insights
Selling a business in Southwest Florida
By Brian Seidel, CCIM · Broker Associate, American Property Group of Sarasota
Updated
Updated
I sell operating businesses in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with or without the real estate they occupy. Because I also handle the commercial property side, I can sell the business and the building together, sell the business and lease the building to the buyer, or structure a sale-leaseback.
How a business sale works
- Confidential consultation. We talk through your goals, timing and whether the real estate is part of the sale.
- Pricing. Your CPA's financial statements drive value; I bring market context and comparable property data for the real estate.
- Confidential marketing. Buyers are screened and sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see details.
- Negotiation and due diligence. I coordinate buyer–seller meetings, lender requirements and inspections.
- Closing. Working alongside your attorney and CPA, who advise on legal and tax structure.
Manufacturing and owner-operated businesses
Manufacturing is the part of the market I enjoy most. Many manufacturers own their facility, which gives sellers options: keep the building and lease it to the buyer, sell both, or sell the building to an investor first through a sale-leaseback.
A recent business sale
“Brian Seidel at American Property Group did an outstanding job selling our automotive business in Sarasota. He brought in a qualified buyer quickly, secured a full-asking-price offer, and got the deal closed in under four weeks — exactly what every seller hopes for. Communication was solid throughout. Brian kept us updated, stayed proactive, and coordinated buyer–seller meetings smoothly. His creativity during negotiations made a real difference, and his transparency about the process built trust from start to finish. The advice he provided along the way was smart, timely, and grounded in experience. If you’re considering buying or selling a business or commercial property, we highly recommend working with Brian Seidel. He delivers.”Ken W. · Testimonial on americanpropertygroup.com, automotive business sale