Graybeards FAQ

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions received by the Graybeards at the Davis Group. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, please use our contact form, send us an email or give us a call at 847-955-2345. After giving you a prompt answer, we'll consider your questions for inclusion on this page.

Q: What is my alarm company worth?

A: That depends on many factors, but generally the principal value is in the recurring monthly monitoring revenue (RMR). Many companies have sold in the range of 24-38 times the RMR.  In most cases, however, the details of deal structure are as important, if not more so, than the actual purchase price.  After all, it’s how much you keep that is important.

Q: What factors influence the value? 

A: The biggest factor is your customer monitoring agreements (Contracts).  Good contracts bring a good price.

Q: My customers love me and never cancel.  I don’t use contracts and I’ve never had a problem.  Isn’t that OK?

A: No, it is not OK for many reasons.  But as far as selling your company or accounts is concerned, without contracts, there is very little value and it is very difficult, if not impossible to find a good buyer.  Even if a buyer can be found, the price they will pay will be far less than if you had good contracts in place with all of your customers.

Q: What will happen to my employees if I sell? 

A: That will vary widely from one deal to another but in many cases, most sales people and technicians will likely be offered continued employment with the purchaser.  Many purchasers will attempt to find positions for other employees, but this will depend on their skills and value to the purchaser.

Q: Will my current office be kept open?

A: Probably not.  Most purchasers want to realize maximum efficiency of scale and combine their acquisitions into their existing offices.  On occasion, they might be expanding into a new area and need to keep the local office.

Q: Why do I need Graybeards’ assistance in selling my company?  People call me all the time wanting to buy me out. It sounds like there’s lots of competition for my accounts.

A: It’s true that there are many companies actively seeking to purchase accounts.  Which one will offer the best deal for you? How will you know when the highest and best offer is received? There are many factors that will effect how much you keep in the end and you need someone with experience in the sale of alarm companies to guide you through the process.  Remember, most acquiring companies have done it before, sometimes many times, and they know how to structure a deal that’s best for them.  But what’s best for them is probably not what’s best for you. Another thing to think about is keeping the early negotiations as confidential as possible to prevent possible employee and customer problems. A Graybeards representative will be able to contact as many prospects on a confidential basis without identifying your company directly, to find the best possible purchaser prospects.

Q: I don’t want to sell to one of the mass marketers (you know who I mean).  What other choices are there?

A: There are a great many regional companies that combine high quality service with personalized customer care.  Many are always looking for quality expansion opportunities.  Graybeards is in constant contact with most of these regional players and ready to promote your business as an acquisition possibility.  We look for the best fit between buyer and seller, and by comparing many different possibilities, we are able to find the best deal for you.

Q: I don’t want my employees to know that I’m going to sell. Can the process be kept confidential?

A: In general, the process is not too intrusive on the office routine. Prospective buyers will want to visit, but they can appear as prospective customers or other VIPs simply visiting the office.