Exit Planning

Exit planning, also known as succession planning, is the process of preparing for the eventual departure of a business owner. It involves maximizing value, reducing risk, and preserving wealth while controlling the timing and manner of the exit. Some benefits of exit planning include identifying and addressing the value and marketability gaps, clarifying the best exit options and timing, increasing value for stakeholders, positioning the company to attract more and better buyers, ensuring business continuity, making ownership transfer more seamless, increasing cash proceeds, minimizing financial risk, mitigating and minimizing taxes, and preventing mistakes that cannot be reversed.

To ensure a successful exit, it is recommended to work with professionals who can provide an independent assessment of the company’s value, marketability, and readiness for a transition to new owners. This may include reviewing company operations, conducting financial analysis, applying multiple valuation methods, identifying likely buyers and deal structures, analyzing marketability and potential roadblocks, and identifying opportunities to enhance value and marketability.

Once the best exit options have been identified, it is important to develop a plan with clear objectives and action steps and to regularly review and update the plan as needed. This may involve coaching on plan implementation, introducing specialists to work on specific components of the plan, and monitoring progress to ensure that the business is ready for sale when the time comes. It is also important to consider tax-centric planning and work with other advisors to maximize the take-home value and incorporate appropriate estate planning.

Our fees for services, plans, and ongoing coaching are tailored to meet your specific needs and are a worthwhile investment. An investment in exit planning can provide a high return, especially when we are involved early in the process. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and our fees will often pay for themselves multiple times over. We view our services as an investment in your business success and not an expense on your income statement.

We serve businesses throughout Central Oregon and the Pacific Northwest including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Ashland, Eugene, Medford, Willamette, Portland, Springfield, Tigard, Klamath Falls, and Hood River, to name a few.