The exit planning process is designed to give you the outcome you want from the sale of your business or your share thereof. Previously we described the first three steps: determining your desired outcome, considering the perspectives of other shareholders and stakeholders and evaluating the current performance of your business.

The fourth part of the process is to ensure you have a plan for the business that results in your desired outcome i.e. the value and conditions of exit you desire at the time you want it.

During part three as we evaluate the current business we will get a good understanding of potential as well as current performance. How that potential will be realised will be contained in your plan – be that a strategic plan, a business plan or whatever you use to set your course and determine the actions you take. The key question for exit planning purposes is, ‘will your current plans deliver the exit outcome you desire?’

It may be that your plan – if you have one – is well suited to the job. In which case carry on – but now in the knowledge that you are heading towards an end game of your own design and of your own making. However, it may be that your current plans will undershoot where you need to be for you to exit on your terms. Either you accept a reduced outcome at exit or you build the business to close the gap.

Our years of business advising have helped many small and medium sized companies develop their growth plans and successfully add value to their owners. We work with you to develop your plans, setting objectives and developing strategies. We explore different growth strategies, organic through improved sales and marketing, and inorganic through acquisition and partnerships. We ensure you plan for and develop your resources and delivery capabilities to support the growth. And we work with you on leadership development, both your own and that of your management team as your exit will require an ownership transition that places leadership demands on you and your team who may be the future business owners.

If all that sounds like any business strategy service, the crucial differences are that the aim is to prepare you and the business for its next stage of life and to ensure you develop the value and attractiveness that is important to a potential acquirer.
For an informal discussion about your future, contact us.

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