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Exit Planning Process

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Exit Planning Process

Exit Planning Process

What is Exit Planning?

As stated above, exit planning is the process of developing a plan that will go into effect at the point at which the owner is ready to exit the business. The exit time could be by choice–i.e. retirement–or as a result of death. Regardless of the cause, however, having a sound plan in place that is designed to maximize business value at the time of exit is key for financial wellbeing, and is a smart part of a well-developed estate plan. Exit planning has numerous benefits, including:

  • Reduction of the amount of taxes a business or individual owes;
  • Maximization of business assets and value;
  • Confidence;
  • Control in terms of timing and process; and
  • Easy, smooth, and stress-free transition process when the time comes.

What’s the Process?

Pre Exit Planning

Pre Exit Planning: Issues addressed independently by relevant trusted advisors

Attorneys

Do I need to update my will?

Operational Legal Issues: contracts, ligitation, intelectual property, etc.

Wealth Management

What’s my portfolio value and performance?

How much do I need to retire?

business owner
business
owner

What’s My Business Worth? Is it salable? To whom? What would I do if I sell it?

Accountant

What was Company’s financial performance last year?

How much tax do I owe this year?

Other Advisors

Do I have enough life insurance?

Are my insurable business risks appropriately addressed?

step 1 – Collaborate

Step 1: Collaborate with business owner’s team of trusted advisors

Wealth Exit Objective

Wealth Exit Objective

Legal
Exit Objective

Financial
Exit Objective

Other
Exit Objective

Collaborative, coordinated planning process
business owner
business owner
Integrated
Exit Objective
prioritize & integrate
owner’s exit objectives

step 2 – Prioritize

Step 2: Prioritize and integrate personal and business exit objectives

personal objective

  • When do I want to “move on” from owning and leading business
  • I am ready for life after sale/transferIdentity changeActivities change
  • Will sale/transfer provide me the funds required to live as desired?
  • Who will own this business next- personal estate planning?
  • Other personal objectives?

Owner: Articulate exit related objectives
M&A Advisor: Ask guiding questions,
clarify answers, help resolve
conflicting objectives

Step Two Image

business objective

  • When can business be ready for ownership transition?
  • Is my business competitively positioned to maximize value from its sale/transfer?
  • Does its historical financial performance justify expected value?
  • Who will run this business next- management succession planning?
  • Other professional objectives?

step 3 – Evaluate

Step 3: Evaluate three primary exit strategies for business sale/transfer

  • Legacy
  • Timing
  • Business value
    Higher
  • succession planning
  • financial management/
    documentation
  • Business Strategy &
    Competitive Positioning
sell to
family
members
1
sell to
partners
or
employees
2
sell to
third
party
3

step 4 – Proceed

Step 4: If realizable results exceed exit objectives, proceed with exit

exceed exit objectives

step 5 – Adjust

Step 5: If estimated business value does not meet exit objectives,
address key business value to increase business value.

Estimated Market Value ≠ Target Exit Value
Estimated Market Value
Operational
Leadership
Strategic
Financial

Target Exit Value

Estimated Target Value

Operating Value Drivers
Leadrship Team
Strategic Value Drivers
Financial Value Drivers

Contact us today

We Are Your Partners for Years to ComeHarvest Wealth Partners is committed to helping our clients work towards a
successful future. We believe in your potential to understand the financial options that
can lead you to your goals. Call us today to partner with our team. We look forward to
continuing our mission for years to come.

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