TWO SIDES OF THE EXIT MULTIPLIER: INCREASING BUSINESS VALUATION TODAY, STRENGTHENING FAMILY WEALTH TOMORROW
During the session, we will examine how financial execution functions as an “exit multiplier.” Reliable financial data enables owners to shift from day-to-day operators to strategic decision-makers who understand how value is created, measured, and preserved. When books are clean, consistently maintained, and aligned with how the business actually operates, owners gain clarity earlier in the process. That clarity leads to better decisions around timing, structure, reinvestment, and risk. It also reduces the likelihood that surprises emerge during diligence, when leverage is lowest and costs are highest.
The session will also explore the most common financial issues that derail or delay exits. Inconsistent revenue recognition, commingled accounts, undocumented adjustments, weak internal controls, and fragmented financial systems create confusion and erode trust. Buyers interpret these issues as indicators of hidden risk, even when the underlying business is strong. Addressing these challenges proactively through disciplined operational finance prevents value erosion and shortens the path from letter of intent to close. For CEPAs, understanding these pressure points creates opportunities to influence owner behavior earlier and protect hard-earned value. Beyond the transaction itself, the discussion will turn to what happens after liquidity. While exits are often framed as an endpoint, they are more accurately the beginning of a new and more complex financial chapter for owners and their families. Post-exit wealth introduces new entities, investments, reporting needs, governance considerations, and philanthropic goals. Families need clarity, structure, and trust in their financial systems to navigate these responsibilities effectively.
The same financial discipline that supports a strong exit becomes the infrastructure that allows families to steward wealth with intention and alignment. Importantly, the session will highlight how financial weaknesses that surface during an exit often reappear later as family challenges. Lack of transparency, inconsistent reporting, and unclear financial ownership can undermine trust, slow decision-making, and complicate succession planning. By contrast, strong financial operations provide a shared source of truth that supports governance, communication, and continuity across generations. CEPAs who understand this connection are better positioned to help owners prepare not only for a transaction, but for the long-term implications of liquidity.
Learning Objectives:
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CEPAs working with founder-led and family-owned businesses
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Exit planners supporting owners 2–10 years from liquidity
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Advisors who want to reduce transaction risk and protect valuation
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Professionals involved in post-exit family wealth planning and governance
Event Details
Who Should Attend?
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Attorneys
You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.
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CPAs/Accountants
Owners participating in the State of Owner Readiness research continue to indicate that you are the No. 1 "Most Trusted Advisor." You are a natural fit to lead the exit planning team and deepen your relationship (and retention) of next generation owners.
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Wealth Managers
You’re a skilled relationship person. Being entangled into your clients’ professional lives matters as you build a strategy to manage their wealth upon them harvesting it from their business. Exit planning allows you to build a deeper relationship with your client, expands your COI network, while giving you an early seat at table well before the liquidity event.
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Financial Advisors
One of the critical ‘legs of the stool’ is personal financing planning. An owner must have a strong financial plan & contingency plan post-transition to enable them to thrive in the next act of the lives personally and financially. Exit planning brings this future mindset into the present. Exit is now.
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Valuation Analysts
Valuation is both a billable engagement AND an opportunity to provide owners some perspective on how to accelerate value drivers (and deal with value killers). Use exit planning to make that valuation into a longer term value acceleration engagement.
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Investment Bankers
Only 2 of every 10 businesses that come to market actually sell. Learn how exit planning can bring attractive AND ready business to your purview.
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Estate Planners
Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.
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Strategic Consultants
One of the most critical roles in exit planning is building transferable value. Strategic consultants have the ability to expand options and drive rapid business value that affect performance today.
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Insurance Professionals
Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.
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Mergers & Acquisition Advisors
Proper exit planning causes less deals to fall through at the last minute. Connect with CEPAs to build your healthy deal flow network.
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Commercial Lenders
One of the best relationships a business owner makes is with their banker. How can you help your corporate clients think about the future and ensure financial continuity? Answer: exit planning.
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Family Business Advisors
More than 50% of lower middle market business owners would prefer to transition to the next generation. Help them succeed with exit planning strategies.
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Other Professional Advisors
Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.
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Private Business Owners
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Members of Family Business Boards
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Professional Advisors
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Business Consultants
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Other Business Professionals
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Business Owners
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Business Owners & Their Trusted Advisors
EXIT PLANNING IS GOOD BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Exit Planning Institute, provides Financial Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, and other advisors of business owners with the critical education to differentiate themselves and add value to their existing client relationships through a credential, conference, courses, and content. Download the CEPA brochure for more information.