Handing it on
Step back on a date you chose
Whether the business goes to a partner, a daughter, the people who work there or a stranger, the plan is easier to write years before the date than months.
Partner buyouts
A buy-sell agreement that says how a partner’s share is priced and paid for when one steps back.
To the next generation
Moving ownership to family in steps, with decision rights and fairness written down.
To the people who work there
A sale to key staff, paid over time, with the terms the lender wants to see.
To an outside buyer
Getting the company ready for sale: clean contracts, clear title, no surprises.
Questions about stepping back
How early should I start?
Earlier than feels necessary. The papers take weeks, but the choices, such as who and at what price, often take a year.
What if my family and my partner want different things?
That’s common. We’ll lay out each option and what it costs everyone, so the choice is made on purpose.
Is this the same as estate planning?
They overlap but aren’t the same. We handle the business side. For wills and trusts we work with your estate lawyer, or refer you to one.
Planning your exit? Let’s set the date
Tell me how long you’d like to keep working and who you’d hope takes over, and we’ll plan backwards from there.
A first call doesn’t make us your lawyers; a signed engagement letter does.