Buying a business is a difficult process and not always for the faint-hearted. We are often asked when the best time is to acquire a business. Certainly, a number of conditions should be in place:•The opportunity exists – the business is for sale•The price is right•The business compliments your existing enterprises and matches your skill set.•The business is successful or has the potential to be so.Problems arise, however, when these conditions exist but you lack the time, manpower, resources or expertise to manage the takeover process efficiently. You still have to devote energy and resources to running your existing operation, after all.Often, a chance to acquire a business has to be passed over or the purchase is undertaken less than efficiently resulting in delays and unbudgeted expense.