A well-designed exit plan is essential for business owners
You probably have a large portion of your net worth tied to the value of your business, and if you’re like most business owners, you probably don’t know what your business is actually worth. Chances are, you don’t have any kind of exit plan in place either. You may have an idea of what you want to do but have never gone through the process of formally putting a plan together.
The problem with this is that without developing an actual exit plan, you run the risk of undervaluing or overvaluing your company, being unable to control the exit, paying too much in taxes, regretting selling (or not selling) your business, and failing to achieve your personal goals. Needless to say, there’s a lot at stake. It’s why it’s wise to employ the skills of a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).
As a CEPA, Gary Cook works closely with owners of privately held companies. He is well-versed in effectively addressing the many personal, business, financial, legal and tax issues involved in growing and selling a business.
The goal of the actual exit plan he will develop for you is threefold: maximize transferable business value, ensure that you are financially prepared for the sale, and ensure there is a plan in place for “what’s next.”
Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
Gary R. Cook, CIMA®, CEPA, AIF®, CRPC®; Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SPWM;
Private Wealth Advisor, RJFS
