When business owners begin thinking about an exit, they often assume there are only two choices: continue running the company or sell it entirely. There are several paths available. For some owners, a minority investment or partial sale can provide liquidity and a strategic partner while allowing them to retain meaningful ownership and control. A […]
As a business owner, you are likely the most important person for your company’s success. But when you are the hub of your business, it can have negative effects on your business’s value, limit your business exit paths, and in some cases make selling your business impossible. In this newsletter, we’ll show you why beginning the process of stepping […]
The primary goal for many business owners is accelerating business value so the business can provide them financial independence. Typically, accelerating business value is a matter of making the business attractive to potential buyers. But what do potential buyers look for, and how can you build a business that both helps you achieve your goals […]
For many business owners, transferring their businesses to their children is important both financially and emotionally. But transferring to children isn’t always easy, especially when family harmony is at stake. Let’s look at a fictional but representative story about some of the challenges of transferring a family business to children. Leave Me a Business Worth Staying At Eugene Chen […]
For many business owners, selling a business is one of the most significant financial decisions they will ever make. But while discussions often center around valuation, deal structure, and negotiations, there is another aspect of the transaction that deserves equal attention: the emotional side of the sale. A business is rarely just an asset. For […]
Your next-level managers and key employees are likely the most important element in determining your business’s value. Given their importance, retaining these people is possibly the most critical thing you can do to build your company’s value. In this newsletter, we’ll look at two common and effective strategies for retaining important employees and explain why retention plans can support your long-term goals in terms of building business value and […]
Selling a business is often described as a marathon rather than a sprint. While many owners focus on finding the right buyer and negotiating a strong valuation, one of the most overlooked challenges in the M&A process is maintaining momentum from the initial offer through closing. Even well-positioned transactions can lose steam, creating delays, frustration, […]
When you’re at the helm of a successful business, one of the most important (and counterintuitive) questions to ask yourself is, “Who can run this business when I am ready to leave it?” Whether you plan to retire or die at your desk, the answer to this question may determine whether you can call your business ownership journey a success or […]
Tax minimization is likely a key part of running your business. When you can position your company to pay only what it must in taxes, it could give you more money to take home or reinvest in your business. But have you begun to prepare how you’ll minimize your taxes when you eventually leave your business? Selling your business […]
In today’s M&A environment, buyers are looking beyond surface-level financial performance. While historical revenue and EBITDA remain important, sophisticated buyers increasingly rely on a deeper financial analysis before moving forward with a transaction. That’s where a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report comes in. A QoE report is designed to evaluate the sustainability and accuracy of […]
An accurate business valuation is one of the more important elements of planning for a successful future. But the journey to determine the true value of your business is full of dead ends and pitfalls. In this newsletter, we will examine four elements of business valuation: Valuation basics Common valuation mistakes that you should avoid How cash flow impacts your business’s value […]
