A complete guide to selling your business
Our selling your business guide provides practical insights to help you understand the sale process, prepare your business, and make informed decisions before going to market.
At a glance
- An exit strategy helps business owners clarify goals and timing, whether the plan involves a sale, succession, or another transition.
- There are multiple exit options, each with different implications for value, control, and continuity.
Looking ahead, business owners may explore different ways to transition their business and preserve the value they’ve created. Below is a brief overview of different exit strategies and various types of buyers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of selling to each of them:
Strategic buyer
Larger companies acquire smaller companies as a way to grow, build economies of scale, and increase the value of their business.
- You may receive a better price because the buyer has the ability to take advantage of synergies from both revenue generating opportunities derived from the combination as well as cost-saving opportunities.
- This is usually the easiest way for an owner to walk away from the business.
- The buyer may enact more operational change including letting go of long-term employees, rebranding the business, or altering the core company culture.
- Approaching competitors and sharing potentially sensitive information can create some commercial risk if not managed appropriately.
Private equity (PE)
Business owners can sell or partially sell to PE funds, which are sophisticated investors focused on acquiring, growing, and ultimately selling private companies.
- Collaborating with a PE fund can offer an opportunity to participate in a second transaction if you retain some ownership and work with them to grow the value of the business.
- A quality PE fund will add operational skill and financial expertise to build value within the organization.
- You may need to give up majority control of the business.
- The PE fund may bring in new philosophies and enact operational and/or cultural change, which can be difficult if not aligned with how you have historically has run the business.
High-net-worth individual (HNWI)/family office
Many wealthy individuals have a family office set up to help manage their investments. The family office may purchase a majority stake or buy your entire business.
- Private equity firms will hold a business for a set period of time with limited flexibility while a HNWI or family office is often afforded a more flexible mandate.
- Owners can find a family office that shares the same values as they do, which can make for a smoother transition process.
- HNWIs and family offices like to keep their holdings confidential and may not publicize the fact that they own the business, which can make it harder to attract talent.
- As compared to private equity firms, HNWIs and family offices may not have the same infrastructure and resources to be able to add value to the business post close.
Management buyout
The company’s existing management team will acquire part or all of the company from the owner.
- The sale process is often simpler and less due diligence is required.
- The management team will already be familiar with the business and the transition should be easier.
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It may be difficult for the prospective owners to obtain financing to buy the business, which could result in a reduced sale price or significant financing being provided by the seller.
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The handover period may last longer than expected.
Family generational transfer
This option will allow the business to continue in its current form, but run by the next generation.
- Maintaining a legacy for future generations.
- Trust in your successors.
- Business and culture continuity for employees, the OEM, and customers.
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Potential successors might not be interested or have the proper skills to take over the business.
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There may be friction between family members over who should be in control.
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Much of the wealth of the family remains concentrated in the operating business as opposed to being monetized.
Initial public offering (IPO)
An IPO is when a private company goes public by selling shares of the company to investors.
- A successful public offering can create ongoing liquidity for an owner.
- Listing on an exchange can enhance the company’s brand profile and reputation.
- It’s an extremely time-consuming and expensive process to go public.
- There are more compliance and reporting standards as a public company.
- It can impair or reduce your operating flexibility.
- An IPO that doesn’t resonate with the market can have a detrimental effect on a company’s brand.
Know your buyer
What size of business are we talking about?
As your business matures and develops scale the applicable types of buyers begins to expand driving increased options and valuation
Frequently asked questions about selling your business
Yes. Depending on the situation, it may be advisable to plan for multiple scenarios to adapt if market conditions, buyer interest, and personal goals change.
An exit strategy is a plan for how an owner will transition out of a business, whether through a sale, succession, merger, or another form of transition.
No. Exit planning is also important for succession planning, ownership transitions, and long‑term business continuity, even if a sale is not imminent.
Yes. A clear exit strategy helps align business decisions with what future buyers or successors value, which can positively influence valuation and deal outcomes.
How we can help
When it comes to planning a business exit, there are often multiple paths and considerations. Our advisors help business owners understand buyer priorities, evaluate available options, and prepare for the journey ahead. Through our selling your business hub, we bring together guidance on exit strategy, valuation, divestitures, and structuring considerations to support informed decision-making.
If you’re beginning to think about an exit or long-term transition, visit our resource hub for insights.