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Writer's pictureJoseph Haecker

Do you have an Exit Strategy?

Updated: Jun 2, 2023

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Starting a business is an exciting and rewarding venture, but it’s important to remember that every business must come to an end at some point. Whether you plan on retiring, selling the company, or passing it on to a family member, having an exit strategy in place is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of an exit strategy for your business and provide some tips for creating one.

What is an Exit Strategy?

An exit strategy is a plan that outlines how you will leave your business. It can involve selling your company to another entity, merging with another company, taking your business public, or passing it on to a family member or partner. Regardless of the exit strategy you choose, having a plan in place is important because it allows you to maximize your returns and ensure a smooth transition.

Why is an Exit Strategy Important?

There are several reasons why having an exit strategy is important:

  1. Maximizes Returns: An exit strategy allows you to maximize the value of your business. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible return on your investment. Whether you’re selling your business or passing it on to a family member, having a plan in place can help you get the most out of your business.

  2. Smooth Transition: An exit strategy ensures a smooth transition. When you’re ready to leave your business, you want to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible. By having a plan in place, you can make sure that your employees, customers, and other stakeholders are taken care of and that the business continues to operate successfully.

  3. Reduces Risk: An exit strategy reduces risk. If you don’t have an exit strategy in place, you’re putting your business at risk. Unexpected events such as illness, death, or economic downturns can impact your business, and having an exit strategy in place can help mitigate these risks.

  4. Gives You Control: An exit strategy gives you control over your business. When you have an exit strategy in place, you’re in control of your business’s future. You can choose when to exit, how to exit, and what the terms of the exit will be. Without an exit strategy, you may be forced to exit your business under less favorable circumstances.


Tips for Creating an Exit Strategy

If you don’t have an exit strategy in place, it’s never too late to start. Here are some tips to help you create an exit strategy for your business:

  1. Start Early: It’s never too early to start planning your exit strategy. Ideally, you should start planning your exit strategy when you start your business. This will give you plenty of time to make adjustments and ensure that your business is positioned for a successful exit.

  2. Get Professional Advice: Creating an exit strategy can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. Consult with a business attorney, financial advisor, or other professional to help you create an exit strategy that’s tailored to your business.

  3. Consider Your Goals: Your exit strategy should align with your personal and business goals. Are you looking to retire? Do you want to sell your business for a profit? Understanding your goals will help you create an exit strategy that’s right for you.

  4. Be Flexible: Your exit strategy may change over time. It’s important to be flexible and willing to adjust your plan as circumstances change. Keep your exit strategy up-to-date and be prepared to adapt as necessary.

Establishing the value of a company is a critical step when planning an exit strategy. The value of a company is determined by several factors, including financial performance, market position, industry trends, and potential for growth. Here are some steps to help you establish the value of your company ahead of an exit:

  1. Review Financial Statements: Financial statements are a valuable source of information when determining the value of a company. Review your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to assess the company's financial health. Look for trends in revenue, expenses, and profits over the past few years.

  2. Evaluate Assets: Assess the value of your company's assets, including property, equipment, and inventory. This information can be found on your balance sheet.

  3. Analyze Industry Trends: Look at trends in your industry to determine how your company's performance compares to others in the same sector. Analyze market share, customer base, and overall industry growth potential.

  4. Consider Growth Potential: Consider your company's growth potential. Look at opportunities for expansion, new product development, and entering new markets.

  5. Determine the Multiple: Once you have a good understanding of your company's financial health, assets, industry trends, and growth potential, you can determine the multiple. The multiple is the number that investors use to value a company. It is typically based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The multiple varies depending on the industry, size of the company, and other factors.

  6. Get Professional Valuation: It's always a good idea to seek professional help when valuing a company. Hire a business valuation expert who can provide a more detailed analysis and help you determine a fair price for your company.

Keep in mind that the value of a company can change over time. Factors such as changes in the economy, industry trends, or new competition can impact the value of your business. It's important to regularly assess the value of your company to ensure that you are prepared for a potential exit.


Does creating an exit strategy mean that I have to sell my business? No, creating an exit strategy does not necessarily mean that you have to sell your business.


While selling the business is one of the most common ways to exit, there are other options to consider depending on your goals and circumstances.

Some alternative exit strategies include:

  1. Passing the business down to family members or a trusted employee through a succession plan.

  2. Merging with another company to create a larger entity or acquiring another business to expand your reach.

  3. Liquidating the business assets and distributing the proceeds to the owners.

  4. Bringing in new investors or partners to provide additional capital and expertise to grow the business.

  5. Going public with an initial public offering (IPO) to allow shareholders to sell their stakes in the company.

It's important to consider all of the available options when creating an exit strategy, and to make sure that the strategy aligns with your goals for the business and your personal financial goals. A well-crafted exit strategy can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have a plan in place for the future of your business.


Wrapping things up...


In conclusion, having an exit strategy is important for every business owner. It allows you to maximize returns, ensure a smooth transition, reduce risk, and give you control over your business’s future. By starting early, seeking professional advice, considering your goals, and being flexible, you can create an exit strategy that’s right for you and your business.


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