Theres a few ways you can looks at this. Depending on the business, first look for synergies between the two. If they are truly similar, a merger and rebranding to the more well know entity may be best and grow from there. Depending on your clients, you could target target those who move between the states. If its more of a local/mom&pop brand than it may be best to keep branding separate. You state that the one requires more focus, are you able to hire someone to run it for you? If not then franchising or becoming a silent partner (which allows you alot more time) seems the way to go. If the CO business has greater potential growth and a stronger brand and you believe the other will hinder your focus then get rid/franchise/sell equity to partially fund you acquisition. Always ask questions about why this business is being sold as well, is it at a point where growth has plateaued? And what are you going to change/bring to it? Managing a few states across is difficult without an open information path.
Theres a few ways you can looks at this. Depending on the business, first look for synergies between the two. If they are truly similar, a merger and rebranding to the more well know entity may be best and grow from there. Depending on your clients, you could target target those who move between the states. If its more of a local/mom&pop brand than it may be best to keep branding separate. You state that the one requires more focus, are you able to hire someone to run it for you? If not then franchising or becoming a silent partner (which allows you alot more time) seems the way to go. If the CO business has greater potential growth and a stronger brand and you believe the other will hinder your focus then get rid/franchise/sell equity to partially fund you acquisition. Always ask questions about why this business is being sold as well, is it at a point where growth has plateaued? And what are you going to change/bring to it? Managing a few states across is difficult without an open information path.