An exit strategy is a vital component of running a small business. Basically, an exit strategy specifies what to do when the owner leaves or closes down the business. Investors particularly seek to finance small businesses with exit strategies. At CBS Corporate Business Solutions, we help small to medium sized businesses strategically plan for an exit or a shutdown. Here are several exit strategies you can plan for with our experts:
Liquidation – Most small business owners have heard of this particular strategy. Liquidation occurs when a business is shuttered and all assets are sold off. Liquidation is the only sensible exit strategy for very small businesses with a single owner or employee. If liquidation is the exit strategy a business owner is thinking of, then some retooling might be in order to make the business more appealing to a buyer.
Choose a Family Successor – Some business owners simply want to quit. In this case, liquidating the company may not be necessary. Companies can be passed down to a family member. The former owner can continue to get involved in the company afterward, or disengage completely. Passing down a venture to a member of the family is a straightforward process. But it has to be planned in advance.
Sell Company to Employees – Rather than selling the company to outsiders, owners can choose to sell the company to managers or employees to ensure continuous operation. Owners may be allowed to keep a share if desired. However, owners must brace themselves for potential controversies that might arise from the change in management structure.
IPO – The popular IPO is a form of exit strategy. We do not recommend this option for all companies. However, conducting an IPO and going public can be enormously profitable for some companies. To be successful, an IPO has to be structured well because there are numerous compliance regulations to follow.
The above are only a handful of exit strategies for small businesses. Contact us at CBS-CBS.com to discuss other options available and the kind of exit strategy that might be best suited for your business.