An exit strategy in business is exactly as its name suggests: it’s the way out for business owners, entrepreneurs and investors in a business. Typically, an exit strategy is the culmination of a successful career of nurturing and building a business. However, for an exit strategy to be successful, it should be developed well in advance of a sale or transition to new owners.
Serving as a Valuable Roadmap Right from the Start
At its core, an exit strategy is essentially a roadmap that guides business owners and other stakeholders through the process of transitioning the business to new owners, with the goal of maximizing value and minimizing risks. The best exit strategies are developed early in the lifecycle of a business, potentially decades in advance of an actual exit, knowing that the strategy will likely evolve over time. The point being is that a well-defined exit strategy is indispensable at all stages of a business’s growth, as every business will inevitably transition to new owners at some point.
What do we consider to be an important first step to selling a business? Making sure you have the right players at your side to help guide the most advantageous decisions every step of the way—taking long-term planning and tax-advantaged strategies into account. Here’s what our Chief Client Officer, Scott Bush, has to say about the importance of building a team that can offer a holistic and long-term view of the transaction:
Aligning All Stakeholders on the Ultimate Desired Outcome
First and foremost, an exit strategy provides clarity and direction. Whether you’re a startup founder seeking funding or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to retire, having a clear exit plan in place ensures that all parties involved are aligned regarding the ultimate goal for the business, including investors, employees, vendors, and customers. This clarity fosters confidence among key stakeholders and enhances decision-making, helping to ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the process.
An often overlooked but critical stakeholder group in many private businesses are the family members of the business owner or founder. For many families, the family business has been core to their identities for generations. Some in the younger generation may assume they will one day lead the family business, or at least have a key role. So, if an exit is on the horizon, the broader family should be informed and engaged in the decision making at the appropriate time. Otherwise, a poorly communicated exit can breed hostility and dysfunction within a family for years to come.
Avoiding the Temptation of Unsolicited Offers
An exit strategy also serves as a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and unsolicited offers. What may seem like a lucrative opportunity today could turn into a liability tomorrow. By proactively devising an exit strategy, entrepreneurs and their investors can mitigate potential risks and make the right decisions for their business, their employees and customers, and themselves. In other words, an exit strategy helps eliminate the risk of acting rashly or without fulling considering all scenarios.
Timing is Key to Unlocking the Greatest Possible Value
Similarly, a carefully crafted exit strategy plays a pivotal role in maximizing returns on a transaction. Whether through an initial public offering (IPO), merger, acquisition, or buyout, the ultimate goal of any exit strategy is to unlock value and generate the best possible return for all stakeholders. By strategically timing an exit to optimize the valuation of a business, entrepreneurs and investors can capitalize on ideal market conditions.
Further, selling a business has the potential to be a significant tax event—one that should be prepared for far in advance. Here’s what our Managing Director and Head of Wealth Strategy, Allen Injijian, has to say about the topic:
In other words, timing is key, and an exit plan should take that into account.
Keeping the Endgame Front of Mind
Additionally, an exit strategy facilitates long-term planning and scalability. By envisioning the endgame from the outset, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, expansion strategies, and operational priorities. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the sustainability of the business but also increases its attractiveness to potential investors and acquirers.
Fostering Accountability and Transparency
An exit strategy also helps to promote accountability and appropriate transparency within an organization. By clearly articulating the criteria and timeline for exit, business owners naturally hold themselves accountable to benchmarks and performance metrics that are tied to an exit. That transparency fosters trust among stakeholders and can cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence throughout the organization.
In conclusion, an exit strategy is not merely a contingency plan; it’s a strategic imperative for entrepreneurs and investors navigating today’s competitive business landscape. By providing clarity, mitigating risks, maximizing returns, facilitating long-term planning, and enhancing accountability, an exit strategy serves as a blueprint for success and helps to ensure that business owners and other stakeholders can exit their investments in a coordinated fashion with the best possible results. Whether you’re a startup founder dreaming of an IPO or an experienced serial entrepreneur eyeing a lucrative exit, a well-defined exit strategy is essential to guide you through the process.
