Preparing For Transition
Best for:
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Owners who want to step away from the business within the next 2-5 years;
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evaluating family succession, management buyouts, or third-party sales
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wanting coordinated guidance across tax, estate, investment, and transition planning
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need to become less owner-dependent before a transition
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seeking to increase enterprise value before an exit event
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Common Pain Points
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The business is too dependent on the owner’s involvement
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There is no clear succession or transition plan in place
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Business and personal finances are too interconnected
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The owner is unsure how to maximize business value before a transition
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Family, employee, or partner dynamics are complicating long-term planning
Three
Phase Approach
Phase 1: Pre-Sale
Goal Discovery
What does success look like after the transition?
Explore Transition Options
Which transition path best aligns with your goals, timeline, and priorities?
Capturing Value
What improvements can increase business value before a transition?
Honoring Key Staff
How can you ensure the people who helped build the business are supported throughout the transition?
Phase 2: During Sale
Attract Buyers
How can your business be positioned to attract the right buyers and maximize interest?
Filtering Offers
Which opportunities align with your financial goals, legacy, and long-term priorities?
Scrutinizing Transaction Terms
Which deal terms matter most, and where should flexibility be maintained to achieve the best outcome?
Phase 3: Post Sale
Tax Strategy
How can the transaction be structured to improve tax efficiency and preserve more of your proceeds?
Capital Allocation Strategy
How should sale proceeds be invested and allocated to support your long-term goals, lifestyle, and future opportunities?
Estate & Wealth Protection
How can your wealth be protected, transferred efficiently, and aligned with your legacy objectives?
Only 20-30% of businesses that go to market actually transact successfully.
Preparation, positioning, and experienced guidance materially improve outcomes.
Sources: Journey Consulting (2025), The Exit Planning Gap
For many owners, 70-90% of their net worth is tied to the business, yet most have never been through a transaction before.
Sources: Kiplinger (2025), Five Key Wakeup Calls for ambitious Business Owners
Exit Planning Institute research suggests meaningful exit preparation often begins 3-5 years before a transition.
Sources: Exit-Planning-Institute (2025), How To Make Your Business More Saleable