• 2012 Call for Presentations 
• Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Available! 

By Carol Tice

Originally appeared on entrepreneur.com on January 27, 2012 

It's been a tough new year for some once-golden brands. Hostess filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization Jan. 11, followed a week later by the bankruptcy filing for Kodak, the company known for capturing the 20th Century on film. Remember those Kodak moments?

These brands had both achieved the dream of most companies. They were household names, and their products were universally known and well-regarded. Now, they are struggling to survive.

What happened? Times kept changing, and so did technology. Neither company kept up. They probably aren't the only big brands we'll see fall this year, either -- check out this list of 17 more at-risk brands.

How did Kodak and Hostess go so wrong? Here are four ways to avoid their fate:

Brokerage Firm: Transworld Business Advisors
California Region: San Diego North County
Contact: 858-775-2657 or mpollock@tworld.com  

Q: Briefly describe your background (length as broker, career prior, how you got into this field).

A: I have more than 35 years of experience in a variety of business both in Canada and the U.S. I have practiced real estate and business transaction law in Canada for 10 years and have been a California Real Estate Broker for more than 20 years. Throughout my career I have owned and operated a number of successful businesses, including a chain of retail stores. In 2011 I joined Transworld Business Advisors as an owner/franshisee. My goal is to help people achieve their goals in owning or selling a business with the highest degree of integrity and ethics. We can maximize the value of businesses by assisting them in expanding through franchising and ultimately the sale of their business. I got into this business because it allows me to use all the skills I have developed in my previous careers. I love to meet new people, learn about what they do and evaluate the value of a business opportunity.

Q: Do you have particular business types you specialize in, or a region?

A: I have endeavored to not specialize in any particular industry and believe I have the tools to help any small to medium size business achieve their goals in selling a business. I work primarily in San Diego County; however, with the extensive network of Transworld brokers across the country, I am able to assist anyone looking to buy or sell a business in almost any part of the U.S.

Topic: Transaction Valuations vs. Business Valuations: Making Deals Work for Buyers & Sellers

About the Presenter: Mike Adhikari, with 25+ years of M&A experience is an expert on Transaction Valuations. Transaction Valuation differs from Traditional Business Valuations because it focuses on the critical financial aspects of the deal. Traditional Business Valuation focuses on compliance. Mike will discuss valuation methods and key principles of valuation. He will discuss the importance of bank financing, seller financing and debt-service. He will also share a software tool that facilitates bringing buyers and sellers together on price and terms.  

Mr. Adhikari runs two companies: ValueXpress and Illinois Corporate Investments, Inc. He also teaches M&A at Kellogg Business School, Northwestern University and Transaction Valuation in the CM&AA credentialing program offer by Alliance of M&A Advisors. For more info about Mike and his company visit: http://www.businessvaluexpress.com/  

April 20-21, 2012: CABB Annual Productivity Conference: New Economy...New Opportunities

Crowne Plaza Los Angeles International Airport

Join us at the 2012 CABB Annual Productivity Conference to hear from industry experts such as keynote speaker Mel Abraham. Mel Abraham is the author The Entrepreneur's Solution: Getting the Mind-set & Mechanics of a Millionaire and founder of Business Breakthrough Academy and creator of the Doctrines of Success DVD Program. He is a highly-acclaimed business speaker, seminar leader, and business & success strategist.

To learn more, visit the CABB website or download the preliminary conference program.

Register today!