Managing Your Exit

We've Been There several times and we're here to help

🎯 The Founder’s Dilemma We Understand

“Most exit advisors have never sold a business. We have. We know what it’s really like.”

The Hidden Truths About Exit Management

  • The crushing weight of making a “once in a lifetime” decision
  • The identity crisis when you’re no longer “the founder”
  • The family stress when everyone expects you to be celebrating
  • The paralysis when choosing between multiple offers
  • The loneliness of carrying the weight of everyone’s future
  • The grief of letting go of something you built from nothing
 

💡 What Sets Us Apart: Real Experience, Real Empathy

We're Not Just Consultants - We're Fellow Travelers:

✅ We’ve signed the sale agreements with shaking hands

✅ We’ve made the mistakes you’re about to make

✅ We’ve navigated the sleepless nights and difficult conversations

✅ We’ve felt the impostor syndrome in buyer meetings

✅ We’ve wrestled with the “am I selling too early/late?” anxiety

✅ We’ve managed the post-exit adjustment period

 

The Exit Challenges We Help You Navigate:

  • The Perfectionist Trap – When “good enough” becomes the enemy of “done”
  • The Control Paradox – Needing to let go while staying engaged
  • The Comparison Game – Stopping the obsession with what others sold for
  • The Family Dynamics – Managing different expectations and anxieties
  • The Team Guilt – Feeling responsible for everyone’s future
  • The Legacy Anxiety – Will they ruin what I built?

 

🚀 Our Holistic Approach: Business + Personal Success

What We Actually Do: Our Exit Management Services

What We Actually Do: Our Phased Exit Journey

We provide comprehensive support throughout your entire exit journey. Each phase can be purchased independently, allowing you to engage us exactly when and where you need help:

Phase 1: Polish & Prepare

Getting your business exit-ready

  • Business valuation assessment and value enhancement strategies
  • Financial and operational readiness review using our Dirty Dozen framework
  • Buyer documentation and data room preparation
  • Identification and resolution of potential deal blockers
  • Personal readiness coaching and family preparation
  • Creation of your strategic exit roadmap

Phase 2: Find a Buyer

Identifying and approaching the right acquirers

  • Buyer identification and qualification
  • Confidential approach strategy
  • Initial conversations and interest assessment
  • Management of information flow
  • Qualifying serious interest from tire-kickers

Phase 3: Seal the Deal

Navigating negotiation and due diligence to completion

  • Negotiation support and deal structuring
  • Management of due diligence process
  • Coordination with legal, tax and financial advisors
  • Communication strategy for employees, customers and stakeholders
  • Deal completion support

Phase 4A: Support the Integration

Helping the buyer succeed with their acquisition (typically paid by acquirer)

  • Integration planning and roadmap development
  • Handover execution and knowledge transfer
  • Relationship management during transition
  • Problem-solving and risk mitigation
  • Protecting deal value and earn-out potential

Phase 4B: Founder Transition Coaching

Personal support through the handover period (founder pays)

  • Managing your identity shift during transition
  • Navigating earn-out requirements and expectations
  • Maintaining wellbeing during the handover
  • Processing the emotional journey
  • Planning your next chapter while still involved

Phase 5: Start the Next Chapter

Life after exit planning and support (founder pays)

  • Post-exit lifestyle design and planning
  • New venture or investment strategy
  • Portfolio career development
  • Philanthropic or legacy planning
  • Ongoing support during adjustment period

Throughout Every Phase

  • Acting as your trusted sounding board for difficult decisions
  • Providing emotional support during stressful moments
  • Helping you maintain perspective and wellbeing
  • Ensuring you don’t lose sight of what matters most

Flexible Engagement Models

Every exit is different, and so is every founder. We offer various engagement models to suit your specific situation and preferences, including:

  • Fixed fee arrangements
  • Retainer-based support
  • Success fee structures
  • Hybrid models combining elements of the above

Let’s discuss which approach makes most sense for your circumstances.

Our Holistic Approach: Business + Personal Success

While Others Focus on the Deal, We Focus on You:

Traditional Advisors Ask: “How do we maximise valuation?” 

We Ask: “How do we ensure you feel proud, prepared, and peaceful about this decision in 5 years’ time?”

Ready to Start the Conversation?

Let’s start with a 30 minute discovery call, and get know you, understand your situation and ask any questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I start thinking about exit management?

Ideally, 12-24 months before you want to exit, though we’ve helped founders at every stage. The earlier you start, the more we can do to optimize value and ensure you’re personally ready. That said, if you’re closer to a transaction, we can still add significant value.

Do I need to be certain about selling before engaging with you?

Not at all. Many of our clients start by exploring whether exiting is the right decision. We help you think through the options without pressure. Sometimes the right answer is “not yet” – and we’re fine with that.

How is this different from working with a business broker or M&A advisor?

Brokers and M&A advisors focus primarily on the transaction – finding buyers and maximizing price. We focus on you and the entire journey. Many of our clients work with both us and transactional advisors, with us providing strategic oversight, personal support, and ensuring the deal serves your broader life goals. Think of us as your advocate throughout the process.

What if I'm not sure my business is valuable enough to warrant professional help?

You’d be surprised. We’ve worked with businesses across a wide range of values. The emotional and strategic complexity of an exit isn’t directly tied to business size. If this is likely to be a significant financial event in your life, it’s worth doing properly.

How involved do you get in the actual transaction?

As involved as you need us to be. For some clients, we’re hands-on throughout negotiations and due diligence. For others, we provide strategic oversight while your lawyers and accountants handle the details. We adapt to your needs and existing team.

What happens if I decide not to sell after working with you?

That’s a successful outcome too. Better to make an informed decision than to sell and regret it. We’ll have still helped you understand your options, improve your business, and gain clarity – all valuable regardless of what you decide.

Can you help if I've already received an offer?

Yes. Even if you’re mid-process, we can help you evaluate the offer, negotiate better terms, manage the due diligence process, and prepare for what comes after. The earlier you involve us the better, but it’s rarely too late.

Do you work with businesses in all sectors?

Yes. While we have particular experience in certain sectors, the personal and strategic challenges of exiting are remarkably similar across industries. What matters more is the right personal fit between us.

Ready to Start the Conversation?

Let’s start with a 30 minute discovery call, and get know you, understand your situation and ask any questions you might have.

Do You Want To Build Your Business and achieve your desired exit?

If so,, let's succeed together

Get in Touch To Discuss How We Can Help You

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