A common misconception among business owners is that the sale of a business can be easily timed to “sell at the top.”  The reality is doing so can be more difficult than timing the stock market.  The best time to maximize a business' sale price depends on a confluence of factors.  Among these are: (1) demand for your type of business is strong, (2) the merger and acquisition transaction financing market is functioning normally and (3) revenue growth and profits are strong but have at least a couple of years of remaining growth to support a buyer’s ability to pay you a higher price (business valuation).  If the business’ revenue and profits have peaked or are close to peaking, sophisticated buyers will discount this fact by reducing the price they are willing to pay.  You can also follow MergerMaven on Twitter .