If your contract is for five years, legally, you are not obligated to pay him early. However, if the previous business owner would like his principle early, you should find out the going rate for your business today by talking to bankers and attending industry conferences.
You can also research public companies in your industry. Chances are it is going to be much more discounted and in your favor. It is very difficult to figure out a realistic evaluation in this market. It is a completely different market from 2008. Most businesses are down over 40 percent and the S&P 500, which was down 37 percent last year and nearly 3 percent this year. If raising cash is not an issue, negotiate hard.
Galia Gichon is an independent personal financial expert with more than 14 years of experience in financial services, including nearly 10 years on Wall Street and an MBA in finance from Fordham University. She runs her own company, Down to Earth Finance, where she offers individual sessions and seminars to address personal financial needs and concerns.
