Key Takeaways
Succession planning is one of the most important — and often most daunting — challenges for private business owners. The decisions you make today will shape your legacy, your business and your wealth for years to come.
Watch the final session of our 2nd Annual Center for Private Business Owners Succession Academy and learn how to prepare your business for sale to an outside buyer. Gain insights on timing, valuation, deal structure, tax considerations and common pitfalls — reinforced by a real-world M&A case study.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Strategic Exit Timing – Successful transitions start with evaluating owner goals, business performance, and sector-specific market dynamics to determine when value and personal objectives best align.
- Preparation Enhances Value – Accurate financials, reliable KPIs, organized legal documentation, and compliance readiness strengthen credibility and streamline diligence.
- Future Growth Drives Valuation – Buyers reward a well-supported vision for the future; clearly articulated expansion opportunities and scalable capabilities significantly improve purchase price outcomes.
- Tax-Smart Deal Structuring – Early understanding of asset vs. stock considerations, rollover equity, and potential tax impacts protects long-term wealth and maximizes net proceeds.
- Disciplined Process & Strong Advisory Team – A coordinated internal team and experienced advisors ensure a smooth, efficient four-phase M&A process that reduces risk and increases certainty to close.
Hosts:
Center for Private Business Owners
Stephen Prostano, CPA, JD, LLM, Partner-in-Charge
Cynthia Adams Harrison, Ed. D., LICSW, Managing Director