It is not as easy as walking out the door. Ann Gibbard explains why exiting can be the most important business decision you take.
It can take up to 5 years to prepare a business for sale, and around a year to get that sale. Give yourself the advantage by being ready to exit when the time is right.
Exit strategy options:
- Sale to an investor
- Sale to another business as a takeover target
- Family succession
- Management or employee buyout
- Floating on the Stock Exchange
- Before you can decide on which option is best for you, you need to consider what you want to do after exiting the business. If it is retirement, how much money will you need to live the lifestyle you want? Do you have other income sources or is all your money tied up in your business nest egg? Do you want a 100% sale now or a partial sale with reduced hours?
Once you have decided on the best exit strategy for you, it is time to get your business in shape. Just as you would do repairs and apply a coat of paint in preparation to sell a house, there are actions to spruce up your business to maximise the sale value:
- Get your finances in order. Make sure you have clear profit reports for the last two years and a budget for the next year.
- Eliminate problems. Resolve any legal or staff issues and any customer complaints.
- Document your processes. Make it easy for a new owner to walk in and take over where you left off without any stress.
- Paint a good picture. Know your competitive advantage and get your strategy and plan in place that maximises earnings in the future. Convince a buyer that your business is the best option.
- Understand your competition. Who else is in your space? What did similar ventures sell for?
- Get your relationships in place. Get to know a good broker, accountant and lawyer.
- Build the profile of your business. Make sure your website is fresh and up to date, attend networking events and seminars – you never know where you will meet a potential buyer.
With your business in good shape, you can maximise the return on your investment. You can also control the timing of the sale to when it suits you, rather than being unprepared in a desperate situation.
It can be challenging to do this on your own. A Business Success Partner can guide you through the process and keep you on track.
The best time to start planning is now.