When Susan started her boutique design firm, she dreamed of building something lasting. Something she could eventually pass on or sell. After years of hard work and growth, she knew the time was coming to exit the business. But the thought of selling was daunting. How could she make sure she got a fair price, protected her legacy, and avoided costly surprises?

Susan’s story is one many business owners face. Exiting a business – whether through sale, succession, or winding down – is a major milestone that requires thoughtful planning. Done right, it can unlock years of hard-earned value and set you up for the next chapter.

The best exits don’t happen overnight. Susan began preparing years before selling. She cleaned up financial records, put contracts in order, and ensured her IP was clearly owned by the business.

This early preparation lets buyers see a well-run business and builds trust. It also helps you identify and tackle any hidden risks that could scare off buyers or reduce your asking price.

Know the value

Understanding what drives your business’s value is key. For Susan, this included recurring clients, a strong brand reputation, and proprietary design tools.

Knowing these strengths can help you highlight the right selling points to potential buyers and can also reveal areas that need shoring up before you go to market.

Minimising risks

Susan worked with advisors to ensure the business structure protected personal assets and minimised tax implications on sale. She also formalised agreements with key suppliers and clients to avoid unwelcome surprises during due diligence.

Clear legal and financial foundations reduce risks and make the sale process smoother, boosting buyer confidence.

Plan your exit strategy

Exit options vary – selling to a third party, passing the business to family, management buyouts, or even merging with another company. Susan weighed her goals carefully, staying open to different buyers while keeping control over timing.

Being clear about what you want from the exit helps avoid rushed decisions and maximises your negotiating power.

Seek expert guidance

Exiting a business involves legal, financial, and tax considerations that can be complex. Susan brought in a trusted team – lawyers, accountants, and brokers – to guide her through every step.

Expert advice helped identify risks, negotiate terms, and structure the deal to maximise value while protecting her interests.

Exiting your business is the culmination of years of effort and the start of a new journey. Like Susan, the keys to success are early preparation, understanding your business’s strengths, minimising risks, and working with trusted experts.

At Owen Culliney Law, we help business owners plan and execute exit strategies that unlock true value and protect their legacy, so you can move forward with confidence.