Assembling Your Powerhouse Exit Team

By Mark Tepper, the president of Strategic Wealth Partners and an EO Cleveland member

When it comes to selling your business, the only way you’re going to be able to bring your exit to the next level is with a hard-hitting exit team. In fact, the only way you’re going to be able to sell your business at all is with an exit team. You need experts who are professional, experienced, credentialed, and can get you what you want from your sale. Let’s start by looking at the must-haves when it comes to your exit team.

Financial Advisor

Your financial advisor will be your “number one” ally throughout the sales process. I recommend hiring a Certified Financial Planner (CFP professional) to handle all aspects of financial planning, including investing, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and more. You can rest assured that your CFP professional is the best of the best. In order to receive certification, CFP professionals go through rigorous training and testing.

CPA

A trusted CPA is essential from the moment you begin your business. Your CPA should be helping you maintain clean financials and keeping your taxes accurate and up to date. This will make the sales process quicker and easier. He or she will also guide your future buyer in completing the due diligence and quality of earnings report.

Investment Banker

Your investment banker will take the lead when it comes to finding and securing a buyer for your business. Make sure he or she has lots of experience in business sales of your company’s size. You might have considered hiring a business broker over an investment banker, but don’t succumb to the lower cost of the broker. Since they typically sell very small companies, they won’t be able to create a stronger demand for your business the way an investment banker will.

M&A Attorney

A mergers and acquisitions attorney will draft your legal documents, including the purchase agreement, help you avoid liability, and assist with regulatory approvals. All good things!

Happy hiring!