Seller Be Ware! Why Pharmacy Owners Should Be Cautious When Choosing a Buyer
Selling a pharmacy is not just another business transaction—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, missed birthdays, anniversaries, and vacations. For many pharmacy owners, their business is their “baby,” built with blood, sweat, and tears. That’s why sellers must be extremely cautious when choosing the right buyer. At Rombool Group, we’ve seen and heard almost everything sellers are asked to agree to—and not all of it is fair.
Common Buyer Tactics That Can Hurt Sellers
When negotiating with some buyers, pharmacy owners may encounter demands that can significantly devalue their years of hard work. These include:
- Leaving Cash in the Business Bank Accounts: Some buyers expect the seller to leave working capital behind, even after paying for the business.
- Minimal Up-Front Payments:Offers structured as “20% up front, and the rest over several years”—contingent on client retention or performance metrics that sellers cannot control after exit.
- Forced Relocation: Moving the pharmacy across the state—or even to another state—while still tying payments to performance.
- Termination of Staff: Buyers eliminating loyal employees who helped build the pharmacy’s success.
- Unusual Holdbacks or Credits: Structures designed to reduce the purchase price after the fact.
These practices not only reduce financial certainty but can also undermine the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.
Protecting Your Pharmacy’s Legacy
At Rombool Group, we understand that a pharmacy is far more than a line item on a balance sheet. It’s a living business, built on trust, relationships, and years of personal sacrifice. For that reason, we believe sellers should always ask potential buyers direct questions such as:
- What are your plans after the sale?
- Will you keep the current staff?
- Will you move the location?
- Will you change the name, brand, or overall identity of the pharmacy?
- How will your vision affect my patients, employees, and legacy?
Sometimes, it’s not just about the money—it’s about ensuring the buyer’s vision aligns with your own.
Our Philosophy at Rombool Group
We don’t play games, drag out negotiations, or rely on unfair holdbacks. Our philosophy is simple:
- Respect the seller’s journey and the sacrifices made.
- Offer fair, transparent terms without nickel-and-diming.
- Preserve legacies, people, and community trust wherever possible.
When you interview buyers, look for alignment not just in numbers, but in values.
Final Word of Caution
In our opinion, sellers should never agree to holdbacks or delayed payments if the buyer’s plan involves moving your business, closing it, or simply doing a file purchase. Your years of sacrifice deserve better.
Disclaimer: Always seek professional advice from your own attorney, consultant, or broker before making any final decisions.
Learn more about our acquisition process at www.Rombool.com.