Category: Exit Planning

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

exitadvisors March 28th, 2017 Exit Planning, Whitepapers

Successful owners are usually optimistic people, somewhat averse to dwelling on the more unpleasant aspects of business. Contemplating one’s demise certainly qualifies as an unpleasant aspect. Consequently, advisors to owners tend to use a lot of buzz words when we talk about business continuity. We ask, “What happens if the owner ‘passes on’ or ‘leaves the scene?’” We talk about the consequences of an owner’s death upon the business in theoretical, third party terms:

“Should an owner die …” Unfortunately,

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EXIT ROUTES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

exitadvisors March 28th, 2017 Exit Planning, Whitepapers

When business owners start to think about exiting their companies, the number of possible exit routes can seem limitless, but in fact, there are only eight:

  1. Transfer the company to family member(s)
  2. Sell the business to one or more key employees
  3. Sell to employees using an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  4. Sell to one or more co-owners
  5. Sell to an outside third party
  6. Engage in an Initial Public Offering (IPO)
  7. Retain ownership but become a passive owner
  8. Liquidate

To read more please check out the details in this PDF.

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A MODEL FOR SUCCESSFUL FAMILY-BUSINESSTRANSFERS

exitadvisors March 20th, 2017 Exit Planning, Whitepapers

What could be easier than transferring a family business to its natural successor, the owners’ heirs or offspring? If some of your first guesses were peace in the Middle East, ending bureaucratic inefficiency, or the Chicago Cubs winning the next World Series, you have probably witnessed your share of family business transfer disasters.

To read more please click on the following PDF

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TRANSFERRING YOUR COMPANY TO KEY EMPLOYEES

exitadvisors March 20th, 2017 Exit Planning, Whitepapers

Owners wishing to sell their businesses to management (key employees) face one unpleasant fact: their employees have no money. Nor can they borrow any—at least not in sufficient quantity to cash out the owner. As a result, each transfer method described in this White Paper uses either a long-term installment buyout of the owner or uses someone else’s money to affect the buyout.

To read more please check out the details in this PDF

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ESOP OPPORTUNITIES

exitadvisors March 16th, 2017 Exit Planning, General, Whitepapers

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a tool business owners use to achieve many common Exit Objectives:

  1. Provide partial or full liquidity for existing shareholders;
  2. Leave the business gradually;
  3. Provide employees with a stake in the future growth of the business; and
  4. Keep the business in the community.

To read more please check out the details in this PDF.

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What Is Your Business Really Worth?

exitadvisors February 8th, 2017 Exit Planning, General, Value Drivers

For many owners, the answer to one question determines whether they can leave their companies: “How much money will I get when I sell?”

This question is critical, and answering it is Step Two of The Seven Step Exit Planning Process™. Realistically, you can’t exit your business unless you achieve financial independence, and the primary source of that independence is likely to be the funds you receive for your business when you leave.

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BABY BOOMERS ARE YOU PREPARED TO SELL?

exitadvisors September 21st, 2016 Exit Planning, Value Drivers

If the value of an Exit Plan isn’t already obvious, let’s look at a few hard, cold facts…

First, you are far from the only fish in the sea. As the wave of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) reaching and passing retirement age crests, the departures of those who own businesses could result in a glut of companies for sale, driving down valuations and giving new leverage to buyers. Simply put,

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3 Questions for Determining Your Exit Strategy

exitadvisors June 17th, 2013 Exit Planning

Knowing who you are is essential to determining what you want when exiting your business.

Setting your objectives is the first step in planning your exit strategy, and you should build around the personal values and goals that you hold dearest. In determining what you want from life, you will shape what you want from your business.

Maybe you want to cash out by selling to the highest bidder, then retire without looking back.

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Using Exit Planning Advisors

exitadvisors May 18th, 2012 Employee Incentive Planning, Exit Planning

“My investment advisor suggested that I sell my company to an ESOP. Is that a good idea?”

“My estate planning attorney recommended that I begin giving my business to my children. What do you think?”

“I’m getting tired of running my business every day. My accountant thinks a sale to a third party is a good idea. What’s your opinion? ”

Sales to key employees,

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Six Estate Planning Questions for Business Owners

exitadvisors February 8th, 2012 Exit Planning, General, Value Drivers

James Keefe sat nervously in his Exit Planning Advisor’s office. Until the day before, he had been president of Keefe Automotive Sales, one of the region’s largest new car dealerships. Now he was out of a job and felt he was a victim. Naturally, his first thought was to sue those responsible for his misfortune. The targets of his wrath were his younger sister and his mother. They had forced him out of the business.

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