An exit plan is a comprehensive road map that helps business owners successfully and profitably exit a privately held business. An exit plan asks and answers all of the critical questions that a business owner and his or her advisors must consider.

Importantly, 75% of former business owners report they regretted selling their business because it did not accomplish their personal or business objectives. Why?

Owners admit themselves that they did not understand all of their options, were not able to make informed decisions, and did not know who to turn to for answers.

Unfortunately, too many business owners do not have any idea how or when they will exit their business. As a result, most business owners are:

• reactive rather than proactive
• miss strategic opportunities
• undervalue their companies
• leave hard-earned wealth on the table
• pay too much in taxes when they sell their companies

A well-developed exit plan shows a business owner how to maximize the value of the business, minimize taxes, and ensure that he/she is able to accomplish all personal and financial objectives in the process.