Viking Mergers & Acquisitions goal: Maximize value in sale of your business

Charleston office has expertise and experience to ensure a profitable deal

As managing partner of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions’ Charleston office, Ben Knight directs the selling of businesses across many industry sectors. Viking’s team ensures the best outcome for business owners by developing business valuations, confidentially marketing to potential buyers, and coordinating efforts of legal and financial professionals to close the deal. 

Knight, a former executive and seasoned businessman, bought and sold three different companies in his career. He knows firsthand how much work goes into a successful sale and is passionate about making sure business owners get the best possible deal for the hard-earned value of their business. 

“Selling a business can be very stressful, and we take that emotion out of it,” Knight said. “We negotiate on your behalf. In addition, we reach a lot more buyers than an owner could alone. For example, we average close to 100 people inquiring about most listings.”

“There are a lot of details throughout the process of selling a business along with managing the individuals involved. We work closely with the attorneys, CPAs, lenders and other trusted advisors and then screen potential buyers to ensure they are both financially and professionally qualified.” Knight said. “We confidentially maximize the visibility of each of our clients to ensure we maximize the price by creating a competitive bid process.”

Knight personally knows the success Viking Mergers & Acquisitions can deliver; he’s a former client who used the firm’s expertise to buy two of his businesses. He was recruited to run the firm’s Mount Pleasant office by Jay Offerdahl, president of the company, who became a good friend. There are currently seven Viking locations throughout the Carolinas and Florida. 

Joining Knight in the Charleston office are senior advisors Bruce Thackston and John Elwood. 

“Over half of the advisors at Viking offices are former business owners and we provide lots of empathy in this process,” Knight said. “We’ve experienced what owners are going through, and we help them understand when it’s the right time to sell their business for the maximum price.”

Viking doesn’t charge any fees until the business sells. Knight said the firm represents many repeat clients and serial entrepreneurs. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this June, their formula for business valuation has resulted in an incredible 96 percent average of asking price for the 650-plus businesses they’ve sold. 

“We bring a very professional ethic to help owners successfully sell their business,” Knight said. “I like that we can help folks achieve the American dream to own a business, and then help them profitably sell that business when the time is right.”