Business Exit Planning

DO I NEED AN EXIT PLAN?

If you are thinking of leaving your business for retirement or for any other reason, and your individual stake is over $1,000,000 in value, the answer is “absolutely yes”. If your stake is of less value than $1,000,000 but it is a significant part of your retirement, then the answer is probably still yes. If you are staying in your business but feel it prudent to cash in some equity, then, “yes” that too should be analyzed and planned. In all of these scenarios the accurate value of your stock is key, and Blackthorne is preeminent in valuation expertise.

THE COST OF NOT PLANNING

Unfortunately, many business owners find out too late that their advisors have decided the course of action for them, and consequently they have not been fully apprised of all of their options. Too late business owners find out that they did not receive the maximum amount of money because their advisor chose the most convenient strategy for the advisor rather than the best one for the client. Result: money was left on the table. One firm we are familiar with will not talk with a client about any option but a third party sale of the company. All other options are “off the table”.

In today’s very tough economy, timing may be very critical to maximizing your stock value at transaction. For example, there are many potential “land mines” under consideration by Congress that may greatly affect your business planning, and that of potential buyers of your business. Tax considerations in the next few years will be more important than ever. This all needs to be thought through. It is also likely we can offer a 6 month value improvement regimen and targets to glean more value for you and eliminate discounts buyers typically apply.

Blackthorne Group promises to show you all of your options and how much money you should receive from each option, and then let you decide which one is best for you. We do not decide – you do!

BLACKTHORNE EIGHT STEP EXIT PATH ANALYSIS ™

  1. Define Owner Exit Plan Goals and Expectations
  2. Assemble the Right Internal/External Team
  3. Conduct Blackthorne Business Wealth/Risk Analysis™
  4. Generate Blackthorne Exit Path Analysis™
    1. Third Party Sale Options
    2. Insider Transfer Options
    3. Recapitalization Cash-out Options
    4. Hybrid Options
  5. Owner Decision: Select Right Exit Path for You
  6. Prepare Comprehensive Implementation Strategy
  7. Prepare Contingency/Wealth Protection Plan
    1. Prior to Cashing Out
    2. After Cashing Out
  8. Lead and Coach Implementation

SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU HIRE AN EXIT PLANNER

  1. Are you a licensed CPA? What state?
  2. What professional accreditations do you have?
  3. What is your Exit Planning Process?
  4. How many exit plans have you created?
  5. Do you focus on independent planning, or do you also sell insurance or do business brokerage as well?
  6. Are you mostly a financial numbers person or have you also managed or owned a business? If so what kind of business?
  7. What client testimonials of your work can you show me?

REQUEST EXIT PLANNING QUOTATION

To request a quotation for an exit plan, please use our contact form to provide the following information to our CEO, David Wimberly. Responses are confidential and normally require 24 hours or less for an initial answer.

  • Your own statement of what you would like us to help with, and what timing you are looking for
  • Your name, preferred phone number and email address
  • Company name and web address
  • Company EBITDA (numbers) for last 3 fiscal years