Best of the Best of the ISP-Lists: M&A

It's a season of combining among small and large ISPs alike. Members of the ISP-Investor list share important advice for those who yield to the urge to merge.

[December 31, 2001]

Choosing the Right Loan Shark
[December 19, 2001] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss the suspect motives of vulture investors and other sources of cash in the current climate.

Making Partnerships Work
[December 17, 2001] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss how to bring partners into a business in such a way that if the group decides to separate, everyone is treated fairly.

Prove That You're Worth It
[November 27, 2001] Members of the ISP-Investor list share tried and true ways to verify the size of a purchased ISP's subscriber base.

The Risks of a Reverse Merger
[November 14, 2001] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss an unusual deal in which a publicly traded company without any assets merges with a privately held company, and why no small business should do this.

The Check Has Been Cashed
[February 27, 2001] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss one of the details that any ISP purchaser needs to consider: how much service has been paid for, and how does the business account for prepaid subscriptions?

One Way Out
[October 16, 2000] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss how to value an ISP, and other important considerations when selling or buying an ISP business.

Being Bought Out
[September 22, 2000] Members of the ISP-Investor list advise business owners to get paid when they sell the business, and to avoid working for the new owner.

Selling Your ISP?
[September 19, 2000] Members of the ISP-Investor list complain about calls from people claiming to be interested in buying their ISP, but who disappear after obtaining sensitive business information. Be careful when selling your ISP.

The Bottom Line On Valuation
[March 24, 2000] Members of the ISP-Investor list discuss how prices are made in the market for small ISPs.

Valuation 101
[June 9, 1999] Members of the ISP-CLEC list discuss valuation in the ISP boom that was.

—End