Research conducted by the Exit Planning Institute (http://exit-planning-institute.org/) indicates that over the next 5 – 10 years a $10 trillion transfer of wealth will occur with the sale of privately held businesses. However, the research further shows that a large majority of business owners are not sufficiently prepared to successfully transition their businesses:

• 80% of businesses currently put on the market don’t sell
• For companies that do sell, 3 out of 4 owners “profoundly regretted” their decision
• 50% of all business exits are involuntary due to the 5 D’s: death, disability, divorce, distress or disagreement
• Only 30% of all family-owned businesses survive into the second generation
• 83% have no written transition plan and half have no plan at all

The fact is simple: two-thirds of all business owners do not know all their exit options. Our Business Owner Advising services are designed to change the expected outcome for small to mid-sized business owners by preparing them for the eventual transition of their business. We take a holistic approach that establishes exit planning as a strategic priority and focuses on improving both the attractiveness and transferability of the business. By working in collaboration with other business advisors (CPAs, estate planners, financial planners, investment bankers, M&A specialists, etc.) using a common value growth methodology, we address and align the business owner’s personal, financial and business goals.

Although every engagement is unique, most will include these core elements: