Daniel Laure, CFP®, MBA, RICP®
June 15, 2021
An exit strategy helps business owners ensure the long-term success of their company
A good succession plan creates a blueprint for ownership transfer as you exit your business. It helps you prepare for your retirement, ensuring you have the income you need. And setting a well-conceived plan into motion protects the people around you, including your heirs, employees, and customers by laying the groundwork for a smooth transition.
Yet, despite these important benefits, many privately owned businesses don’t have a succession plan, leaving the business vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if the business owner dies or becomes incapacitated, there may be no one to step in and lead the company as it regains its footing. Planning early can head off these issues and produce other benefits, including having the time to retain key employees and mitigating tax burdens triggered by a sale.
Making a plan
As a first step to creating a succession plan, assemble a team of experts. Work with a lawyer, accountant and financial advisers who can help you make any necessary changes to your business’s legal structure and ensure the proper paperwork is in place.
Get an appraisal from a third party to determine the value of your business. An appraisal can help you set sale prices or set prices for ownership shares. If your valuation comes back lower than you expected, work to increase the value of your business before it’s time to sell.
Next, think about what kind of relationship you want with the business after you exit. Do you want to maintain an interest in the company? Do you want to stay on the payroll as a consultant? Would you rather cut all ties and never think about it again? Knowing where you want to land will guide your exit plan.
Create manuals for management and employees that allow your successor to jump in and get acclimated relatively quickly. Be sure there are employees who can take over your responsibilities and that there are no tasks only you know how to do.
Choosing a successor
Once you know the role you want to play, it’s time to choose a successor. Broadly, your options are:
Updating your plan regularly
A succession plan is only useful if it’s up-to-date. Set a regular schedule for reviewing your plan. As things change—say your chosen successor is no longer an option—update your succession plan accordingly. It can be the difference between the business succeeding under a new generation of leadership or ending with you.
Sources:
https://www.nceo.org/articles/esop-employee-stock-ownership-plan
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/buy-sell-agreement-faq.html
This blog post is written by an unaffiliated third-party, and as such, the opinions and views expressed are not necessarily those of Visionary Wealth Advisors. This material is intended for general information only and should not be construed as personalized investment, legal, or tax advice. The information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Statements made in this blog may be subject to change depending on revisions to the tax code, statutes, regulations, or government policy. Please consult your accountant, attorney, or financial advisor prior to engaging in any legal, investment, or tax strategy.