Confidentiality: If word that a business is for sale spreads through a community, the business will likely be damaged in several ways. For right or wrong, the general public perceives that if a business is for sale “it must be going out of business” or “something is wrong with it”. Of course they are wrong, but it’s their perceptions that really matter. Employees often start looking for another job for fear of the unknown. Customers might cancel contracts, or at least explore other options. Competitors may leverage “the selling” to steal work. The Colorado Business Exchange does everything possible to protect the confidentiality of sellers. Before we’ll even speak with someone about a business, they must meet minimum financial requirements set by the seller and sign a legally binding agreement to protect the confidentiality of the seller’s identity as well as all other business and personal information. After meeting these initial criteria, prospective buyers will receive additional financial and other details about the business without knowing the seller’s identity. Prospects will not be given the identity of a seller until they demonstrate serious interest in the company, willingness to make a reasonable offer, and they are ready to meet the seller personally. Protecting confidentiality is just one responsibility we have to our clients, but it is a very important one.