Business transition services

Business succession planning to support your personal and professional priorities

For many business owners, business succession planning can be overwhelming. After you’ve poured countless hours and maximum effort into your life’s work, how can you even begin to answer “What comes next—and how do I get there?”

Well, for starters, your priorities are your compass. Whether your goal is to maximize financial returns, preserve the culture you've built or pave the way for family leadership, understanding your personal and professional priorities is essential.

Our advisors work with you to transition your company in a way that aligns with your values, protects your legacy and secures the futures of your employees and their families. After all, an exit can take many forms, including:

  • A third-party sale to a strategic or financial buyer
  • An employee purchase, such as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) 
  • A family business transition

A well-thought-out plan allows you to explore more options and navigate complex trade-offs.

Business transition planning from all angles

Our comprehensive approach to business transition services features much more than just tax strategies. 

Understand primary paths for your business transition

Employees

An employee transition focuses on purpose and legacy rather than a quick exit. Financial gain is often secondary to protecting the owner's legacy and ensuring employee wellbeing. This gradual transition is ideal for owners who prioritize long-term stability over immediate payouts.

Unlike strategic sales or private equity buyouts, employee transitions will likely preserve the company's character and culture, achieving comparable financial outcomes over time while reflecting a commitment to continuity and care for the people driving the business forward.


Family

Owners often transition a company within the family to preserve their legacy and ensure continuity in values and culture. This path allows the owner to maintain influence and guide the business's future while securing the family's financial stability. It strengthens family bonds and provides a sense of pride in passing the business to the next generation.

However, owners may not receive the full enterprise value of the company due to prioritizing legacy goals ahead of maximizing the financial outcome.


Third-party sale

A third-party sale is common for business owners without a suitable successor within the family or management team. This path allows owners to maximize financial returns. It provides access to external capital and expertise, enabling the business to reach new heights.

Owners can choose between strategic buyers, who may integrate the business into their operations, or third-party investors, who typically take a large equity stake and offer flexibility in management roles. The more professionalized the business and its team are, the higher the value that owners can expect from a third-party sale.

Navigate your business legacy with confidence

Secure the right path for your business transition 

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