Business Exit Strategy

Peter Ranyard shares his expert insight on how to prepare your business for exit – whether you’re planning ahead or realising it’s time to make a change.

Where the Heck Is the Exit?

A fantastic blog by Ann Gibbard here covered why people choose to run businesses. But what about when it’s time to leave?

Why You Need an Exit Plan – Even If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re starting or purchasing a business, you should also be thinking about your eventual exit. Will you sell, hand it over, close it, or reinvest?
Planning early gives you control and clarity – and helps you avoid being trapped in your own business.

When Should You Start Exit Planning?

Ideally, from day one. But practically, you should start building towards an exit at least five to seven years before your target date.
This doesn’t mean leaving the business – it means getting the business ready to run without you. That includes:

• Documenting processes
  
  
• Building a leadership team
  
  
• Cleaning up your financials
  
  
• Structuring your offer so it’s saleable, scalable, or transferrable
  
  

An exit-ready business is often a stronger business overall.

The Different Exit Types

You might:

• Sell to an outside buyer
  
  
• Transition to a family member or employee
  
  
• Merge with another business
  
  
• Wind down and extract value over time
  
  

Whichever you choose, a defined plan reduces stress, preserves value, and creates options.

Common Warning Signs It’s Time to Plan

• You’re 5+ years in with no succession plan
  
  
• You’re not positioned to sell, but don’t want to keep running the business long-term
  
  
• You feel stuck or reactive
  
  
• You’re close to burnout
  
  

Rather than push through for “just two more years,” make that time count by actively planning your exit.

Talk to Peter Ranyard

If you’ve been in business for 10, 15, or 20 years and need help defining your exit strategy, Oxygen8 can help.

Peter Ranyard has decades of experience working with business owners to structure exits that deliver value, protect legacies, and provide peace of mind.

Contact Peter at peter@oxygen8.co.nz or call 021 242 6986 for a consult or quick call.