Business transfer in Tarn-et-Garonne: leaving professional life with the feeling of duty accomplished

Leave professional life with a feeling of accomplishment. A philosophy adopted for several weeks by Françoise Troglia, owner of the only lingerie in Caussade. Even though she still has a little left to contribute to her retirement, she plans to sell her business “if the opportunity arises”, as she admits. Registered since the summer on the Transentreprise file, the business transfer/takeover network of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Chambers of Trades and Crafts, Françoise Troglia's boutique has already seen a few touches of buyers possible.

“At the start, I didn’t necessarily see the strengths of my business to highlight”

“It was the CCI of Tarn-et-Garonne which convinced me to transfer my business. During the first discussions, I did not necessarily see the advantages to put forward to present this business established in Caussade for around thirty years. years, recognizes Françoise Troglia But the expertise of the CCI 82 reassured me about the commercial potential of my shop and the many interests which could attract possible buyers. Healthy management, an ideal location on the town's main artery, a sales area adapted to the collections presented… The profile of “Soft Silk” lingerie has something to seduce. “Over the years, this store has managed to retain a good number of customers who sometimes come from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Molières, or even the Lot, lists the shopkeeper. It must be said that it is the only lingerie in Cahors and Montauban.”

Without rushing, Françoise Troglia is giving herself two more years to hand over and say goodbye to many clients, some of whom have become friends. Two precious years to successfully transition with the buyers. A bit like she had experienced eight years ago when she changed her professional life and took over Soie Douce. “I have excellent memories of this tiling period with the former owner who played her cards on the table with me, opening up all her accounts to me, not hesitating to give me valuable advice. I was very attentive, because I had chosen at the age of 50 to leave an office job at the Chamber of Agriculture of Tarn-et-Garonne to launch myself into commerce.”

“I think I have the arguments to reassure potential buyers”

Advice which can prove reassuring if the buyer launches into the business. With studies in law and many years supporting farmers in their projects, Françoise Troglia never imagined that she would one day find herself running a linen room. “Decoration store, ready-to-wear, bookstore… I experimented quite a bit before getting started,” she remembers. And this lingerie store in Caussade very quickly seemed obvious to me, as I lived between the Lot and Montauban I quickly noticed that the administrative management of this type of business was accessible. An accountant is always there for support and managing stocks is not something insurmountable. buyer is just starting out in business or is in the middle of a career change, I think I have the arguments to reassure him.”

It was thanks to the registration of her Soie Douce lingerie on the national Transentreprise file that the trader had her first contacts. Before any meeting, the teams from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcome the first candidates for takeover. A transparent first step for the merchant, who is not interrupted in her days to paint an initial portrait of the business. In less than two years, Caussadaise lingerie is promised a renewal and a new dynamic. With a motivated and well-supported future buyer, this company could still prosper for years, to the satisfaction of loyal customers.

“We support both sellers and buyers during a business transfer”

Lucie Beaufils is a business advisor at the Tarn-et-Garonne Chamber of Commerce and Industry and explains to us what support is provided to business sellers and buyers.

How is support for buyers organized?

We have several buyer profiles: the one who has not identified a company and the one who arrives with his targeted takeover project. In the first case, we discuss your ambitions and skills during a first meeting in order to define your takeover project. We then scan the offers available on various sites, including www.transentreprise.com, a digital platform for business takeover offers, run jointly by the CCI and CMA network. In addition, we use our local “word of mouth” network to expand the possibilities.

And secondly?

Once the buyer has identified a company to take over, we continue to provide support in verifying the viability of the takeover project.

That's to say ?

We complete the analysis of the transferor's balance sheets, we examine assistance in setting up the business plan, we examine the search for financing (0% rate loans, regional aid, etc.), we ensure contact with our partners banking and insurance: Crédit Agricole Nord Midi-Pyrénées, Caisse d'Epargne de Midi-Pyrénées, Banque Populaire Occitane and AXA. At the same time, we offer collective support through various workshops on financial management, the company's economic model and the essential points of presenting the project to the various partners.

And for transferors, what support do you provide?

Transferors can benefit from a diagnosis/presentation file of their company including, if they wish, an evaluation of their business assets. They are also invited to broadcast their offers on www.transentreprise.com. We put them in touch with one or more buyers with a suitable profile.

Are these supports subject to financial support?

They are co-financed by the European Union, the Occitanie Region and the CCI. Only the costs of distributing the ad and estimating the goodwill apply.

You are organizing an evening dedicated to Business Transfer. What is the goal?

Every year, we organize an evening dedicated to business transfer. This year, we are co-organizing it with RT Magazine on the theme “how much is my business worth in the still inflationary context of 2024?”. An evening rich in discussions and feedback on the valuation of the company thanks to our seven experts and witnesses. Entrance is free, but registration is required. Meet on Monday December 2, 2024 from 6:15 p.m. at the CCI Tarn-et-Garonne.

Do you work across the entire department?

Of course ! We have workshops throughout Tarn-et-Garonne. In order to facilitate access for local stakeholders and project leaders, we are developing, in partnership with local institutions, workshops on business creation and takeover in different towns in the department.