Certified Business Intermediary

Knowledge. Experience. Results

What is the CBI?

The Certified Business Intermediary designation (CBI) is awarded by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) to members who have satisfied the significant educational and experience requirements and conform to the ethical standards of the IBBA.

Why Should you use a broker with the Certified Business Intermediary designation?

Buying or selling a business is one of the most crucial financial transactions of your life. As a business owner, you deserve the most experienced professional representation available when the time comes to buy or sell a business.  In what can be a confusing and sometimes difficult process, it pays to leave as little to chance as you can. With the help of a professional, you can navigate unknown territory with confidence. A CBI can help you optimize your transaction by identifying better prospects, clarifying investment potential, and creating a team approach by referring you to lawyers, accountants and other professional advisors who will provide the necessary counsel to assure a successful transition of ownership. Check here to see if we’re a good business brokerage fit?

How can brokers with a CBI help?

Every CBI has undergone a specialized course of detailed training, aimed at making the process of buying or selling a business as smooth and worry-free as possible. A CBI brings special qualifications to meet your needs:

• The support of a network of IBBA professionals
• Successful completion of the courses leading to the Certified Business Intermediary designation – one of the most successful intermediary educational programs in the world.  Every CBI is a professional with special expertise as a result of the advanced study in listing, selling, investment, valuation and more.
• CBI’s have continual access to current industry best practices to ensure they know the best, most powerful ways to sell your business in today’s ever-changing marketplace
• A CBI is an experienced professional who has invested in formal education to gain the skills necessary to handle the marketing, negotiations and complex details involved in the purchase or sale of your business. When you work with a CBI, you’re working with someone who is ethical, knowledgeable, experienced and committed to you.

What are the CBI requirements?

A CBI must complete a minimum of 68 class hours of business brokerage courses, attend one IBBA Annual Conference, pass at least 10 exams, including a comprehensive CBI exam, be an active IBBA Member in Good Standing, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development through continuing education and periodic recertification.

The CBI Curriculum Includes Courses Related To:

• Pricing Businesses
• Buyer Management
• Analyzing and Recasting Financial Statements
• Legal Aspects of Business Brokerage
• Financial Analysis
• Tax Issues of General Business Brokerage

ETHICS – A thorough knowledge of and loyalty to the association’s Code of Ethics.