Highlighting a Center's Unique Contribution

The Basics

Several different types of documents are required to provide when selling your bowling center. At a bare minimum, prospective buyers will want your last three years of financial information, a detailed equipment list including make and model, background on your payroll runs, building specs, and more.

This information is needed to tell the story of how your center performs as a business and what investments may be needed mechanically, equipment-wise, and for visual modernization. Buyers  will always have something they feel needs to be changed or updated, and the information that you provide will usually verify their thoughts,

Go The Extra Mile

Going beyond the very basics can help you maximize your sale in terms of price and timeline.

One document, called the Executive Summary, provides you with an opportunity to share more about your operation to entice prospective buyers. I strongly believe this is worth the time and effort you’ll put in.

The Executive Summary can be as simple as a few paragraphs regarding history, what types of programs or initiatives are in place and how they're producing, upcoming maintenance schedule, key staff members, etc. Any other areas you think would pull in interest from someone looking at your place should be added.

People like to learn about the history of a center, how it was started, and what families have been part of the growth over the years. Anything you can share regarding how the business expanded and additions to various revenue streams is especially good to highlight. It’s good to feature current key staff members that will be inherited and their importance to the success of the business. Showing a list of improvements that have been made to the center over the last five years is an added bonus.

Don’t forget to include how crucial your business is to the community. Think about activities the center has been involved in to support the community, from special events to fundraisers that the center has hosted.

The fact is, selling your center is not just about the numbers. Show buyers they will be a part of something special and that opportunities to grow the business are endless. If you’re considering selling or would like more information on the Executive Summary, contact me at [email protected]

With 40 years of experience in the bowling industry, Mike Monroe is currently the managing associate for The Hansell Group and owner of First Frame Bowling Management.