Getting Started on the Future

Recently we met with members of a CEO peer group to discuss transition strategies for them and their companies. While the group included people in differing life stages, all shared the same concern: how long do I hold onto the business and when should I begin planning for the ‘next phase’.

The second question is easy to answer: Now.

It is very common for extremely successful entrepreneurs to build multi-million dollar enterprises and yet have no plan about what to do when it comes time to exit. Here’s four good ones to tackle.

  • Shore up financial performance. Financial strength, both in the business and at home, gives you options
  • Review the organizational structure. Being able to delegate gives you time to think, and makes a transfer easier to accomplish.
  • Your role in a transition. Sellers are often needed, even after a sale, to assure customer continuity. Make sure you are young enough to fill this role without interrupting your plans for what’s next.

Although not as exciting as a new product, or achieving a ales goal, preparing for a transition is just as important.

The question about timing is highly personal, but one thing is for sure: interest is strong right now for well-run, profitable companies.

What our clients are saying...

“New Image Coatings, owners of Seal-Once, retained Business Transition Strategies in April of 2015 to locate a strategic buyer for the company. This was successfully completed during April of 2016 when we were acquired by UC Coatings of Buffalo, New York. Working at our side throughout this process were John Howe director, and Ken Schaefer, deputy director, of Business Transition Strategies. From the start of the project, where the information memorandum was developed, to helping us create the management presentation to acquirers, through negotiating the letter of intent and then the definitive agreement, they were there with me and our professional team every step of the way. It took nearly one year to the day to complete the project, but they never lost focus on my best interests and helped me keep my eye on business. This sale was very complex. It included transfer of trade secrets from the product developer, …as well as the transfer of a manufacturing and licensing agreement we had with the core compound producer… John and Ken marketed the company to a range of strategic acquirers, including a number of private equity groups and their platform companies, which ultimately resulted in an agreement with United Coatings… BTS’s level of expertise in the process and close attention to detail enabled us to successfully navigate the deal. I would recommend John Howe and Ken Schaefer to any company owner considering selling.”

- Hank Croteau

New Image Coatings