Chicago, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/09/2011 -- Charlie Timson, Broker at Chicagoland Sunbelt, Visit Our Site, successfully completed the sale of a nationally known franchise restaurant in downstate Illinois. The seller had purchased the franchise after a successful corporate career. Not wanting to fully retire, the franchise was an opportunity to keep busy and grow a business. After 15 years of franchise ownership and doubling revenues in that period, the seller decided it was time to spend more time on the golf course and less in the restaurant. Jim Harris, the seller, who is approaching 65, looked forward to his future free of business responsibilities: “I hope to have a pretty blissful life from now on. I expect to stay busy but not have the pressure that comes with owning your own business.“

The market showed a lot of interest in the listing. There were ninety-four inquiries, twenty-nine showings and three offers. The market responded positively for a number of reasons: the cash flow was sufficient to support a family, the franchise is well-known and respected, and the business is located in a college town with a number of large, stable employers. The strong economic base was not affected by the current economic situation and was reflected in the sales and profitability of the business for sale.

“Any franchise resale depends on the reputation of the franchisors” said Timson, “and we really benefitted in this case that the franchisor had been making significant upgrades and changes to the operations, menu and overall feel of the restaurant.” Timson continued with other advantages of this franchise: “The majority of purchasing of food and supplies is in the hands of the individual operator which affords them more control over margin.”

This transaction is another example of Baby Boomers transferring businesses to a new generation of ownership. The buyer was in his thirties and was ready to leave traditional employment for the benefits and independence of business ownership.

About Charlie Timson
Charlie Timson brings over thirty years of sales, marketing and management experience to the business brokerage profession. This experience ranges from small start-up ventures to Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric and LensCrafters. Timson successfully built, operated and sold his own business and has been part of many other business transactions. In addition, he has been responsible for managing significant operations for large to mid-size companies.

Throughout his career he has provided valuable advice and counsel to business owners and leaders in the areas of designing exit strategies, due diligence processes and negotiating transactions. As a Sunbelt agent he helps people achieve their personal objectives by facilitating the buying and selling of small businesses.

About Chicagoland Sunbelt
Chicagoland Sunbelt is a business brokerage firm that focuses on helping people buy, grow and sell businesses in Chicagoland and the surrounding Midwest. Having sold hundreds of businesses, Chicagoland Sunbelt specializes in a broad range of industries, including business services, distribution, food & beverage, franchises, personal services and retail. Its experienced team of M&A brokerage consultants also develop and execute comprehensive strategies designed to meet individual financial and non-financial goals.

Chicagoland Sunbelt is also a proud member of Sunbelt Midwest, which operates offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin & Illinois. For your next business purchase or sale, visit Chicagoland Sunbelt at www.chicagolandsunbelt.com.