Running Your Business Isn’t Just Business. It’s Personal.

Comprehensive transition planning to help make your company – and you – transaction ready

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Your company is thriving. When is the right time to start thinking about the next stage or making a transition? At retirement? Five years before? Now?

The decision to transition your business – either by sale or succession plan – is one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you’ll ever have to make. After all, you’ve devoted a significant part of your life to building and growing your company.

We work closely with owners of privately-held businesses to help them create and execute transition plans that provide a seamless and successful exit for themselves, their families, and other stakeholders.

Why start planning now? On average, it can take up to two years from the time you make your transition decision to the time the transaction closes.

Headshot of Brett Dearing, Partner

Business owners often wonder about the value of their businesses and whether they should extract some or all of it at any given time. We assist business owners in exploring the merits and best options for realizing this value.”

Brett Dearing, Partner

Transition Planning Drives Better Outcomes

You likely have big plans for your transaction proceeds—a new business venture, a passion project, an activity-filled retirement. Fulfilling this vision depends on you maximizing the net amount you receive and putting the funds to work for you. That’s where we come in.

Through our exit planning process, we help you:

  • Understand how prospective buyers view and appraise your business
  • Identify, prioritize, and minimize value detractors and other risks
  • Create a plan that maximizes your post-tax proceeds
  • Invest the proceeds in a portfolio that aligns with your goals and financial situation

Brett Dearing

Partner

Business Owner Advisory

Hiring the Right Wealth Manager for Your Transaction

The net proceeds from the sale of your business adds another layer of complexity to your financial life. That’s why a wealth advisor is one of the most important people you can have on your transition team.

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation.

Failure to prepare is one of the primary reasons most businesses don’t sell, or sell for substantially less than expected. Our established exit-planning process helps you avoid being one of them. We’re by your side during every stage of the transition—pre-transaction, transaction, and post-transaction.

1

Assessment of Liquidity Options

There are many ways to transition a business such as selling to a family member, a managed buyout, or recapitalization. The best option for you is the one that matches your goals and long-term vision. We help you weigh the positives and negatives of each choice so you can make a sound decision.

2

360° Business Audit and Enterprise Valuation

To secure the best price for your business, you need to enter negotiations with the highest possible valuation. We conduct a thorough analysis of your company to assess its “sale readiness” and identify issues that may make it less attractive to buyers.

3

Business Planning and Implementation

Identifying potential “value detractors” is just the first step. Next, we work with you to develop a 30-,60- and 90-day action plan to resolve the issues that have the greatest impact on offer price.

4

Formation of Transaction Team

Transitioning a business is a complex legal and financial transaction involving investment bankers, M&A attorneys, accountants, and other advisors. We help you identify the right people for your team, negotiate engagement letters, and establish communication workflows.

5

Comprehensive Transaction Management

You don’t have time to worry about the day-to-day activities involving the transaction. We serve as your project manager, working behind the scenes with your investment banker to streamline the flow of information and coordinate other team members.

6

Goals-Based Personal Advice

A successful transition also depends on the owner’s readiness. Are you emotionally prepared for the sale? What are your plans for the future? How will you manage the proceeds? We work with you to create a comprehensive financial plan that gives you the confidence to embark on the next chapter of your life.

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