The International Business Broker Association (IBBA) recently released a third quarter report discussing the current state of the market. The intention is to provide an accurate understanding of the major factors affecting the buying and selling of businesses. This report focuses on two major markets, separated by the sale value.The Main Street market includes all businesses that are valued at $2 million or below. The lower middle market includes businesses valued between $2 million and $50 million. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the major points covered in the quarterly report, aiding business owners wishing to sell or buy a company.Market OverviewCertain markets within the industry are favoring the buyers while others are favoring the sellers. The Main Street market is currently acting as a buyer’s market. The lower middle market, on the other hand, is in favor of the seller’s. Analysts predict that the overall volume of sales occurring over the next 3 months will continue to increase. Business owners are continuing to list their company on the market, while the number of sellers also continues to increase.Reasons for Buying and SellingRecent surveys have indicated that the dominate reason business owners are selling their companies is for retirement purposes. Buyers that are acquiring companies for greater than $5 million are made up, equally, of private equity firms and existing companies that are expanding. Businesses that are selling for $2 million or less are being purchased by individual buyers. These buyers state that their primary motivation to buy a company is to be in charge and experience the empowerment and flexibility of being a business owner.Multiplier ValuesExamining average multiplier values occurring recently provides insight into the state of the market. Businesses valued in the Main Street market have been selling at a multiplier of 3.0 or less. Those companies valuing at less than $500,000, utilize a multiplier of 2.0. The lower middle market depicts a vastly different image, indicating a strong seller’s market. Companies valuing between $5 million and $50 million contain much higher multipliers, averaging 5.8. The companies that fall between $2 million and $5 million contain an average multiplier of 4.3. It is a good idea to keep these figures in mind when in the market to purchase a company. They will provide some guidance on whether or not the seller’s asking price is a fair and reasonable.Reasons for Deal Termination
Having an understanding of the issues that most frequently cause a deal to be terminated will aid you in implementing precautionary measures and, successfully, avoid these problems. The number one reason that a deal is terminated is due to unrealistic expectations. This includes unrealistic valuation and additional demands. Both sellers and buyers can avoid this by hiring a professional to aid in the valuation process.The statistics and information that has been reviewed are the most important findings that were included in the most recent quarterly report. Before embarking on a business buying or selling adventure, become adequately prepared by thoroughly reviewing this information. The contents of this article will put you in a position to knowledgeably negotiate the sale of a business.

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.