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Plan for the unexpected

Many things can and do go wrong during succession planning, but here are the top 3 we at Gibson’s see during succession planning:

  1. The owner is not mentally prepared. The mind dictates clearly that it is time to hand over, but the heart does not want to let go. It is one of the key tasks of a supporting consultant to prepare the owner for the exit. If the owner is not ready to let go, progress will slow down and can even stop, and the succession ends up in the “too hard” basket.
  2. Waiting for better times. If during the succession planning the business does not perform as hoped, progress can come to a halt. Especially if external circumstances such as market decline or currency exchange rates impact business results, companies tend to put their succession plan on hold and wait for better times.
  3. Different understandings of the same terminology. A classic example is the offer of a multiple (to the profit) for a company. For some, this means all the assets and goodwill, others understand this includes stock, work in progress, etc. The same is true if a business broker is involved: commission on sale price includes for some business brokers, also the value of the owner’s stock. It’s important to be clear about terms and meanings from the start.

You only get to exit your business once, so it pays to get it right. Most owners are very successful managers but have very little experience in selling a business. Bringing in an independent business consultant with the experience and knowledge – one who has no agenda and who doesn’t act as a business broker or legal or financial advisor – can help define the best fit succession plan for the owner and achieve the best overall result.