An exit plan is a comprehensive road map that helps business owners successfully and profitably exit a privately-held business. It is strategically designed to assist in the decision-making process and illustrates how crucial decisions will be made to facilitate the exit. The Plan also addresses all necessary topics regarding personal, professional, and financial issues in conjunction with preparing the business owners, their families, and in some cases key employees for transition.

A well-developed exit plan should illustrate these key topics:
 

• Current valuation of your business
• The factors that drive the value of your business
• Methods to increase your business value
• The potential future value of your business
• Your options for ownership change
• Likely tax implications of ownership change
• Tax-saving methods specific to your business
• Your likely proceeds from strategic ownership change
   

When you engage the guidance of a skilled CEPA professional at CBB to assist in planning and preparing for the strategic exit from your business, it allows you to focus your energy on what you know best -- running your business -- knowing that you have a trusted advisor keeping the strategic plan on track.

An Exit Planner is an important professional to have on your team of advisors. This advisor can help you prepare to leave your company and alleviate the stress of its eventual sale while you focus on operating your business and increasing profits so you, in-turn, will receive the best possible price.

Creating an Exit Plan is less stressful when owners know and understand their options and realize which option would support the kind of legacy they want to leave behind. Go to the nine exit options and the four-step process by clicking on the Exit Options Box at right or CLICK HERE.