Developing an Exit Strategy

With the economy on loose footing and the credit markets in turmoil, there has been little incentive for most business owners to consider selling their companies. The natural question for owners is: "what can be done to take full advantage of the expected improvement in valuations in 2009?" For owners and shareholders interested in exploring their strategic alternatives when the markets improve, it is helpful to develop an exit strategy. An exit strategy helps owners clearly communicate the organization's priorities and better understand how those priorities will impact the value of their business upon exit. This paper provides an outline to develop a fact-based exit strategy.