Exit advisor types
Every kind of exit advisor, clearly labeled.
Each specialty described honestly, so you can choose what fits.
Exit strategy
Exit readiness & timeline planning
exit timeline mapping · personal and business readiness review · key-person and dependency review
For: not sure when to start planning an exit, wanting a timeline before approaching buyers, concerned the business still depends too much on the owner
Valuation readiness
value driver review · financial and recordkeeping cleanup · growth and risk positioning
For: wanting to improve how the business will be perceived by buyers, unsure which value drivers matter most, preparing financials and records before a sale process
Deal execution
Strategic sale & private equity sale advisory
strategic buyer sale process · private equity sale process · buyer outreach and process management
For: considering a sale to a competitor or strategic buyer, approached by a private equity firm, wanting a structured sale process instead of a single buyer conversation
ESOP & management buyout advisory
employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structuring · management buyout structuring · internal transition planning
For: wanting employees or management to own the company, concerned about culture or legacy in an outside sale, looking for an internal alternative to a third-party sale
Family succession planning
next-generation transition planning · family governance and communication · ownership transfer structuring
For: planning to pass the business to a family member, unclear who in the family will lead next, navigating family dynamics around the transition
IPO readiness advisory
public offering readiness review · governance and reporting preparation · underwriter and process coordination
For: considering a public offering as an exit path, preparing governance and reporting for public company requirements, weighing an IPO against a private sale
Deal structure advisory
earn-out structuring · seller financing arrangements · rollover equity structuring
For: negotiating an earn-out and unsure what's typical, a buyer proposing seller financing, deciding whether to roll over equity into the new company
Tax planning coordination around a sale
qualified small business stock (QSBS) review coordination · installment sale structuring coordination · coordination with CPAs and tax counsel
For: wanting to understand tax considerations before a sale closes, hearing about QSBS and unsure if it applies, considering an installment sale structure
Due diligence preparation
document and data room preparation · financial and legal diligence readiness · operational diligence readiness
For: worried about what diligence will uncover, wanting to organize records before going to market, a deal stalling in diligence