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Exit Paths for Business Owners

Top Eight Exit Paths for Business Owners

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

Percentage of Exit Paths Business Owners Take

59% of owners anticipate a third-party sale.

30% anticipate a transfer to the next generation.

31% anticipate a management buyout.

6% expect to sell to an ESOP.

Business Owners Take This Assessment!

Full Name

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Area CodePhone Number
Company Name
Email
Owner Objectives and Financial Resources
I know when, how, and to whom I want to leave my business.

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Poor Excellent
I know how much money I'll need annually after I leave my company to live a comfortable post-business life.

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Poor Excellent
The current value of my company meets or exceeds the value I'll need to retire comfortably.

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Poor Excellent
I know the after-tax value I will need from my business to meet my financial objectives.

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Poor Excellent
Maximizing and Protecting Business Value
My key employees are motivated to grow the long-term value of the company.

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Poor Excellent
I have created a written, realistic growth strategy for my company that aligns with my Exit Plan.

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Poor Excellent
I have taken steps to protect my most valuable business assets (e.g., covenants not to compete for key people, restricted access to trade secrets.)

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Poor Excellent
I seek and implement tax-efficiency strategies in my business.

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Poor Excellent
Ownership Transfer
Do you intend to transfer the company to a family member or employee?

Yes
No
Business Continuity and Estate Planning
I have a written contingency plan for my business should something happen to me.

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Poor Excellent
My key employees will remain with the company if I die or become incapacitated.

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Poor Excellent
My family will have financial security if I die or become incapacitated before I transfer my company.

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Poor Excellent
My estate plan explicitly addresses my business priorities (e.g., business cash flow, transfer of business ownership and any related real estate).

Blank 1 2 3 4 5 Blank

Poor Excellent
Captcha

Exit Planning

Top Eight Exit Paths for Business Owners

Percentage of Exit Paths Business Owners Take

Owner Objectives and Financial Resources

Maximizing and Protecting Business Value

Ownership Transfer

Business Continuity and Estate Planning

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