Exit Strategy Planning
Strategic, personalized planning to turn your life’s work into long-term value.
Why Exit Strategy Planning Matters
Exiting a Business Isn’t Just a Transaction, It’s a Transition
Most owners only exit once. Without a clear plan, that transition can be costly. Whether selling, transferring, or stepping back, exit strategy planning protects your wealth, your team, and your legacy.
Align Your Exit With Your Goals, Whether Retirement, Reinvestment or a New Venture
Whether you’re planning to retire, reinvest in a new venture, or simply step back from day-to-day operations, your exit should reflect more than just a financial transaction, it should support the next chapter of your life. A well-designed exit strategy ensures your personal goals, timeline, and legacy are built into the process from the start, giving you the freedom to exit on your own terms with clarity and confidence.
How We Help You Exit Strategically
From Initial Planning Through Execution
Exiting your business requires more than a last-minute decision, it takes careful coordination, clear goals, and expert guidance. We provide a structured approach to help you navigate every phase of the transition, from defining your exit objectives to preparing your business and managing the financial outcome. Our team works closely with you to create a plan that’s aligned with your vision, timeline, and legacy.
This is what it looks like:
Define Goals & Exit Objectives
Every exit begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like—for you. We work closely with you to identify your personal, financial, and legacy goals, assess your desired timeline, and evaluate key considerations such as control, flexibility, and post-exit involvement. Whether you’re planning to retire, pursue new ventures, or transition leadership to family or internal teams, this phase ensures the strategy is built around your unique objectives, not a generic playbook.
Financial & Tax Planning
Exiting a business has significant financial and tax implications. We conduct a thorough review of your current financial structure, evaluate how the exit will impact your personal net worth, and identify opportunities to reduce tax exposure through timing, entity restructuring, or asset reallocation. This phase often involves collaboration with your CPA, attorney, or financial advisor to ensure alignment across all parts of your wealth strategy—so you keep more of what you’ve built.
Succession & Business Readiness
Whether you’re handing off the business to a family member, internal team, or external buyer, we help structure a transition plan that preserves continuity and value. We address leadership gaps, clarify roles, and prepare your team and systems for a seamless shift. At the same time, we work to de-risk the business by improving operational efficiency, financial reporting, and buyer readiness—ensuring your company is positioned for maximum valuation and long-term success under new leadership.
Execution & Ongoing Support
When it’s time to move forward, we stay by your side. From coordinating the transaction process to supporting negotiations and closing details, we help you navigate the final stages with clarity and control. And after the exit, we remain available to assist with reinvestment planning, business consulting, or continued strategic guidance as you transition into the next chapter of your personal and professional life.
Protect Your Wealth, Secure Your Legacy, and Take Control of Your Next Chapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start planning my exit?
Ideally, you should begin exit planning 3 to 5 years before your target transition. This gives you time to optimize business value, address tax considerations, and prepare successors. That said, it’s never too early—or too late—to start.
Do I need to know exactly how I want to exit before starting?
No. Many owners begin the process unsure of whether they’ll sell, transfer, or step back gradually. We help you explore your options and define the best path based on your goals and business readiness.
Is this just for business owners nearing retirement?
Not at all. We work with owners planning for exit in the next 1–10 years, as well as those who simply want to be prepared for unexpected opportunities or life events.
What if I want to transfer the business to family or key employees?
Yes. We collaborate closely with your existing advisors to ensure tax, legal, and estate strategies are aligned with your exit plan. If needed, we can also refer trusted professionals.
What are the biggest risks of not having an exit plan?
Without a plan, owners often face rushed decisions, undervalued deals, unnecessary tax liabilities, leadership voids, or failed transitions. Exit planning helps avoid all of that—and gives you more control.
Learn More About Exit Strategy Planning
Why Should I Start Planning My Exit Now, Even If I Don’t Plan to Leave Soon?
Many owners delay exit planning because they think it’s “too early.” The reality? Waiting often reduces options and value. Early planning provides flexibility, and time to make the business more attractive to buyers.
One national survey found that a majority of business owners delay exit planning until it’s too late, often citing that they are too busy with day-to-day operations (U.S. Small Business Administration). The result is missed opportunities to increase value and reduce risks.
Starting now gives owners time to strengthen financials, build leadership teams, and streamline processes. These improvements not only boost sale price but also make the company more resilient. AP News reports that companies with formal exit strategies in place are significantly more likely to achieve successful transitions compared to those without.
There’s another factor: life is unpredictable. Many exits are forced by unexpected events. Health issues, economic shifts, or sudden offers can become unexpected challenges. Planning early ensures you have a roadmap, even if the timeline changes.
For owners who want control over how and when they exit, the best time to start is now. ROI Performance Group works with business leaders to build exit strategies that maximize value and preserve flexibility.
What Surprises Owners the Most When Selling Their Business?
Many business owners expect the sale process to be straightforward. It rarely is. In fact, most are caught off guard by how complex, emotional, and time-consuming it becomes.
Only 20% to 30% of businesses that go to market actually sell (Forbes). That alone is a wake-up call. But the surprises don’t stop there.
One of the biggest emotional shocks? The loss of identity. For years, the business has been part of the owner’s personal story. Letting go isn’t just a transaction. It’s often a personal unraveling.
Owners also underestimate how much scrutiny buyers will bring. Everything—from financials to culture to leadership structure—gets examined. If systems aren’t clean or leadership isn’t transferable, value takes a hit.
Then there are the deal terms. Many owners expect a big payday. What they get instead are earn-outs, holdbacks, and contingent clauses that tie payments to future performance. This can be frustrating, especially when the seller no longer controls the business.
Planning early, even if there’s really no current plan to sell, is the best way to avoid problems later. Keep operations clean and prepared. Working with advisors who know the exit landscape can help ensure nothing is missed.
For more insight into seller surprises, check out this Kiplinger report.
What’s My Business Worth Today, and What Can I Do to Increase It?
Business valuation is the foundation of every successful exit strategy. Without knowing what a company is worth today, it’s impossible to plan for what comes next. A valuation sets expectations, uncovers strengths and weaknesses, and provides a baseline for growth.
According to Project Equity, 60% of owners reported having a formal valuation in the last two years, up from only 18% in 2013. That’s a positive trend, but it also means 40% of owners are still navigating blind. Without a valuation, many overestimate or underestimate what buyers are willing to pay.
The good news is, value isn’t fixed. Owners can increase it by building reliable cash flow, documenting systems, strengthening leadership teams, and diversifying revenue. A business that runs smoothly without its founder is far more attractive to buyers. Citizens Bank notes that preparing financial statements, improving margins, and reducing customer concentration risk are proven ways to raise enterprise value.
Working with a professional advisor can reveal hidden opportunities for improvement—and help set a realistic price target. ROI Performance Group provides Business Valuation Services to give owners a clear picture of current worth and a roadmap to increase it before the time comes to exit.
What Exit Routes Are Available, and Which One Fits Me Best?
Every owner eventually faces the question of how to exit their business. The good news is there are multiple routes. The challenge is choosing the one that best aligns with financial goals, legacy priorities, and timing.
Common exit strategies include:
Family transfer: Passing the business to the next generation.
Management buyout (MBO): Selling to current leaders who know the company best.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Transitioning ownership to employees while creating tax benefits.
External sale: Selling to a strategic buyer, competitor, or private equity firm.
Closure/liquidation: Winding down operations and selling assets if no viable succession exists.
Each path carries trade-offs. Family transfers can preserve legacy but may create financial strain. External sales often maximize price but can disrupt culture. ESOPs reward employees but require significant planning and funding. MBOs work well with strong internal leadership, while closure is typically a last resort.
According to Project Equity, 73% of owners plan to transition ownership; 70% consider internal transfers and 54% look at family succession. These numbers show how many owners favor keeping the business in familiar hands.
Resources like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Investopedia, and Wikipedia provide useful overviews of each approach. For tailored guidance, explore ROI Performance Group’s Exit Strategy Planning services to identify which path best fits your situation.
What Legal, Tax, and Estate Issues Should I Consider Now?
Exit planning is about more than selling a business, it’s also about protecting wealth and ensuring a smooth transition. Legal, tax, and estate considerations often shape whether an exit delivers lasting value.
Estate planning is one of the biggest gaps. According to Kiplinger, only 30% of owners have a written estate plan. Without one, heirs may face unnecessary taxes, disputes, or delays that erode business value.
Tax laws also play a major role. The structure of the business entity (LLC, S-corp, C-corp) directly affects how gains are taxed at exit. Decisions made years earlier can impact net proceeds today. Compound Planning points out that planning ahead allows owners to explore strategies such as trusts, gifting, or charitable structures that can reduce tax burdens. Similarly, Citizens Bank stresses that early tax planning creates flexibility when structuring deals.
Legal readiness matters too. Buy-sell agreements, shareholder arrangements, and succession documents need to be current. If overlooked, these gaps can cause exits to collapse or lead to litigation.
Owners who take time to address these issues early safeguard their legacy, protect their families, and maximize after-tax value. ROI Performance Group works with business leaders through Implementation & Strategic Tax Planning to align legal, tax, and estate strategies with their broader exit goals.
How Do I Evaluate My Business’s Readiness to Exit?
Many owners focus on the idea of selling but overlook whether the business itself is truly ready. Exit readiness is ultimately about proving the company can thrive without the owner at the center of everything.
There are three core areas to evaluate:
Leadership depth: Can the business run smoothly without the founder? A strong management team increases buyer confidence.
Operational independence: Are systems and processes documented? If daily success depends on one person, value drops.
Financial health: Are financials clean, consistent, and audit-ready? Strong margins, recurring revenue, and low debt levels make the business more attractive.
The Exit Planning Institute emphasizes that readiness is not just financial, it’s also operational and personal. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers guidance for small business owners on evaluating succession options and preparing in advance. Both highlight the importance of objective assessments and planning early.
A readiness assessment often reveals ways to increase value in the meantime. Strengthening leadership, cleaning up financials, and reducing dependence on the owner can all boost sale price and attract better buyers.
