You built the business. What should it make possible next?
More time. A family legacy. A new chapter. Explore how an ownership transition could support the life you want—and what needs protecting before you get there.
Start with a few questions. Use broad ranges. Know what to review next.
Different paths. One business. Your next chapter.Concept artwork—not a client business or promised outcome.
THREE CONNECTED DECISIONS
A good transition has to work on both sides of the business.
The offer matters. So do the people, the funding and the life that comes after it.
01 · EXIT OPTIONS
What could a transition look like?
Compare an inside offer from family or employees with an outside sale. Look beyond the headline price to what you might keep.
The Second Offer: explore what recurring business cash flow may support—not just what a buyer can personally finance. Buyer equity, qualifications, guarantees and lender review still matter.
02 · CONTINGENCY
What if the timing isn’t yours?
Check whether shareholder agreements, buy-sell arrangements and key-employee protection work together if an owner or key person cannot continue.
A promise needs funding. Match available insurance and reserves to the right obligation, event and recipient.
03 · SUCCESSION & PERSONAL FIT
Would the next chapter fit your life?
Connect the money you may keep with your retirement lifestyle, other assets and financial goals.
Start with the wealth gap. Then review the business value and valuation assumptions needed to close it. This first look is not a business valuation.
Coordination-gap illustration—not a measured loss.
CLARITY. CONFIDENCE. COORDINATED EXECUTION.
The pieces may be in place. Do they work together?
A sale price can look attractive while the after-tax proceeds fall short of your lifestyle goals. A buy-sell agreement can be signed while its funding no longer matches the promise.
Use this first look to find the questions worth bringing to your financial advisor, CPA, attorney and lender, with a CEPA-led team where appropriate.
A separate, fully fictional worked example shows how a detailed intake can lead to an executive review. These documents are not generated from your answers below.