We're in that time of the year when business owners see their year-end financials and begin to make decisions for the upcoming year(s). Oftentimes, the succession planning you had in mind when you started the company, such as passing the torch to a family member, doesn't look as promising as you had hoped (if you even planned that far ahead). If succession planning isn't an option for you, there's one that almost certainly is: selling your company.

As we get closer to the end of the year, it’s a good time to take a step back and assess the healthcare market — more specifically, what’s been happening and what’s likely to come. There’s no denying that the healthcare landscape is changing rapidly. 2019 has been a year where every sector has experienced disruption. If you want to succeed in 2020 and beyond, you must understand and be prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

To better help you accomplish these objectives, here are brief summaries of some of the most significant areas that rattled the healthcare industry this year and are likely to pick up steam as we enter the new year.

Seven out of 10 mergers and acquisitions fail. Why would you consider selling your business with these statistics. We'll highlight nine causes for failed mergers and how to address these shortcomings.

Financial buyers, particularly private equity groups (PEGs), are currently in heated battles with strategic buyers for quality durable medical equipment (DME) deals. Well-run, well-managed DME companies are at the forefront of such intense competitions as they seek all-time-high valuations from financial and strategic pursuers alike.

This article on healthcare company valuation examines the amount private equity firms are paying for companies in 2019. Private equity is composed of funds and investors that directly invest in private companies or that engage in buyouts of public companies, resulting in the delisting of public equity. Much of private equity funding is spent on healthcare, manufacturing, and service businesses.

There's some good news for owners of durable medical equipment (DME) and home medical equipment (HME) businesses: The transactions market (i.e., mergers and acquisitions) is not too hot and not too cold, but just right at the moment.

In years past, strong financial numbers were often enough to hook a qualified buyer. However, these days, buyers — especially those pursuing intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD), mental health, and substance use disorder treatment organizations — are looking for much more. They want to see if the organization has special qualities; something that stands out and will help propel the organization to new heights under new ownership. They are looking for the "sizzle."

What are the current developments concerning specialty pharmacies? Alan Hymowitz takes a closer look at five key areas.

This article focuses on the qualitative factors that affect valuation in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Seven specific qualitative factors are discussed in detail.

After years or decades building your healthcare company/practice, it's increasingly likely that you will find yourself thinking about the prospects of selling your company. You should understand the key "value drivers" of your company.

For many entrepreneurs, moving on from their business — especially if it's a business they founded — is one of the most difficult decisions to make. For owners of provider agencies that support individuals affected by an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD), the decision can prove even more difficult when the owner has a personal attachment to and passion for the space. However, while many owners find it difficult to start the process of selling their business, the reality is that it's a necessary and important step. As the old adage says, "Failing to plan is planning to fail."

For most owners of a healthcare business, their company or practice is their most valuable asset. Yet, most of these owners do not know the value of their company nor the key value drivers that attract buyers. This article discusses four of the key reasons why obtaining an appraisal (i.e. valuation) of their healthcare company is important.