What happens to retained earnings when you sell a business

1. What Are Retained Earnings?

Retained earnings represent the net income a business has accumulated over its lifetime after distributing dividends to shareholders. These funds are typically reinvested into the business for purposes like growth, debt repayment, or operational needs.

Key Characteristics of Retained Earnings:

• Appear on the equity section of the balance sheet.
• Reflect the financial health and profitability of the business.
• Can be used to fund expansion, purchase assets, or cover contingencies.

Internal Linking: Learn about questions to ask when buying a business to evaluate financial aspects like retained earnings effectively.

2. Retained Earnings in an Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale

The handling of retained earnings depends on the structure of the transaction—asset sale or stock sale.

a) Asset Sale

In an asset sale, the buyer purchases specific assets and liabilities of the business rather than the entire company entity.

• Retained Earnings Treatment: Retained earnings typically remain with the seller because the buyer is acquiring only the selected assets, not the entire equity of the business.
• The seller retains ownership of the legal entity, including its retained earnings, liabilities, and tax obligations.

b) Stock Sale

In a stock sale, the buyer purchases the ownership shares of the business, effectively taking over the entire company entity, including its retained earnings.

• Retained Earnings Treatment: Retained earnings transfer to the buyer along with the equity of the business.
• The buyer assumes all financial accounts, including assets, liabilities, and equity.

Internal Linking: Read how to structure a deal to buy a business to understand transaction structures.

3. Key Considerations for Sellers

a) Negotiating the Purchase Price

Retained earnings are indirectly included in the valuation of a business. Buyers assess the overall equity and profitability of the company, which encompasses retained earnings.

b) Tax Implications

When retained earnings remain with the seller (as in an asset sale), the seller might need to manage the tax consequences. If retained earnings are distributed as dividends post-sale, they may be subject to dividend tax.

c) Post-Sale Distribution

For retained earnings that remain with the seller, they can:

• Be withdrawn as dividends or bonuses.
• Be reinvested into other ventures.

4. Key Considerations for Buyers

a) Evaluating Financial Health

When buying a business, the state of retained earnings can indicate its financial stability and growth potential.

• A strong retained earnings balance may signal profitability and reinvestment in growth.
• Negative retained earnings (accumulated losses) could indicate past challenges.

b) Handling Liabilities

In a stock sale, retained earnings come with all other equity accounts, including liabilities. Buyers should thoroughly assess the financial history to avoid unexpected obligations.

Internal Linking: Check out what documents to ask for when buying a business to ensure a full understanding of financial statements.

5. Negotiating Retained Earnings in the Sale Agreement

The treatment of retained earnings can be negotiated between the buyer and seller. Key points to address include:

• Retention by Seller: In some cases, retained earnings are distributed to the seller before the sale closes.
• Inclusion in Sale Price: Buyers and sellers can agree on whether retained earnings are factored into the purchase price.

Best Practices for Negotiation:

• Use a qualified business broker or legal advisor to ensure fairness.
• Clearly outline the treatment of retained earnings in the purchase agreement.

6. Tax Implications of Retained Earnings

For Sellers:

• Dividend Tax: If retained earnings are withdrawn as dividends, they may be subject to dividend tax.
• Capital Gains Tax: In a stock sale, the seller pays capital gains tax on the proceeds of the sale, including any retained earnings transferred.

For Buyers:

• Taxable Income: Retained earnings become part of the company’s equity and are not taxed as income for the buyer. However, their future use (e.g., dividend distribution) may have tax implications.

Internal Linking: Discover the tax benefits of buying a UK business to leverage tax advantages during acquisitions.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

a) Ignoring Financial History

Buyers should not overlook the financial statements of retained earnings. A detailed review ensures transparency and prevents misunderstandings.

b) Failing to Address Retained Earnings in the Agreement

Clearly specify the treatment of retained earnings in the sale contract to avoid disputes.

c) Overlooking Tax Obligations

Both buyers and sellers should consult tax professionals to understand the implications of retained earnings in the transaction.

7. How BusinessSeek Can Help

At BusinessSeek, we provide tools and resources to make business transactions seamless:

• Secure Listings: Whether buying or selling, our platform ensures confidentiality and visibility.
• Expert Resources: Access blogs like How to sell a business tax efficiently for actionable insights.
• Buyer & Seller Support: Navigate every stage of the process with expert guidance.

Final Thoughts

The treatment of retained earnings during a business sale depends on the structure and terms of the transaction. For sellers, it’s crucial to understand how retained earnings affect the sale price and tax obligations. Buyers should assess retained earnings to gauge the financial health of the business. Clear communication and detailed agreements ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Whether you’re buying or selling, BusinessSeek is your trusted partner for successful business transactions.