The first quarter 2017 Market Pulse Report shows that 70 percent of business owners who are selling a business make taking care of their employees a top consideration as they evaluate potential buyers. It ranks right behind financial compensation.

It found that speed of exit, having a “clean” break and leaving a legacy were all important factors as well. According to the survey results, few sellers are interested in employment contracts and other deal structures that keep them active in the business after the sale.

The report was published by the International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source and the Pepperdine Private Capital Market Project.

“When it comes to selling a business, owners care about more than just money,” said Valerie L Vaughn, a certified M&A professional with Apex Business Advisors of Overland Park and a member of both the IBBA and M&A Source. “I’ve seen situations where a business owner agrees to less money in order to sell to a buyer whom they believe will protect employees’ jobs and maintain a positive workplace culture.”

“Both buyers and sellers are increasingly recognizing the high value of human capital,” said Craig Everett, PhD, director of the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project. “Negotiating the deal structure often includes protections for employees, such as keeping the company in its current location or agreeing not to reduce the workforce.”

The Market Pulse Report compares conditions for businesses being sold on Main Street with values of up to $2 million to those being sold in the lower middle market, where values range from $2 million to $50 million. The first quarter 2017 survey was completed April 1-17 by 315 business brokers and M&A advisors representing 37 states.