3. Exit Strategy-Just Close It
• Pros
• Easy
• Low stress
• No negotiations
• No transfer of control
• Cons
• Leave money on the table
• Post ownership finances
• Reputation takes a hit
www.NeedaCPA.com
4. Exit Strategy-Sell To The Kids
• Pros
• Comfort level
• Little to no due diligence
• More likely to preserve your legacy
• Cons
• Could still leave money on the table
• Transfer of control can be complicated
• Can challenge family dynamics
www.NeedaCPA.com
5. Exit Strategy-Sell To A Friendly Buyer
• Pros
• Comfort level
• Less due diligence
• More likely to maintain status quo
• Commitment to make it work
• Cons
• Still leaves money on the table
• Could end a friendship when they find your skeletons
www.NeedaCPA.com
6. Exit Strategy-The Acquisition
• Pros
• Bigger payday
• Strategic buyers may pay more than it’s worth
• Cons
• Cultures clash in merged companies
• Acquisitions are scary
• Acquisitions are messy
• Acquisitions are costly
www.NeedaCPA.com
7. Exit Strategy-The IPO
• Pros
• Biggest payday when it works
• You might get to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange
• Cons
• Only a very small number of IPO’s succeed
• It takes time (5-8 years)
• You will give up a lot of control
• You need to be a grown-up company from day one
• VC’s and investment bankers get their share of the pie
www.NeedaCPA.com