CHOOSING A BUSINESS EXIT STRATEGY: FEATURES, BENEFITS, COMPARISON & CONTRAST OF 8 DIFFERENT WAYS TO MONETIZE YOUR BUSINESS

EPI MAHONING-SHENANGO VALLEY CHAPTER

We’ll explore the “Legacy vs. Liquidity” Debate – ranking priorities (based on wealth gap) and discuss whether taking 20% lower sales price is better if it guaranteed the business stayed in its current location with all staff retained?  I.e., internal transfer vs. 3rd-party sales. The “Ready or Not” Checklist – will present a list of attributes (e.g. “owner is the lead salesperson, diverse customer base, messy financials, etc.”) and will have the group discuss which of the 8 exit paths are instantly eliminated by each red flag. Tax Efficiency Speed Round – discuss which strategies offer the most significant tax deferral or mitigation benefits for the owner. We’ll look at case studies that may include the following personas: The Reluctant Successor,    The “Acqui-hire” Target, The Wealth Gap Strategies – i.e., 2nd bite at the apple or Value Acceleration before monetization.

 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the 8 primary exit strategies available to business owners, including internal transfers (e.g. ESOPs or family / management team successions) and external sales (such as PE groups or strategic buyers)

2. Evaluate the unique features and tax implications of each monetization method to determine which aligns best with specific financial goals

3. Compare and Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of selling to a strategic buyer versus a financial buyer regarding deal structure and post-closing involvement

4. Analyze how different exit paths impact the company’s legacy, culture, and employee retention to ensure a “best fit” transition

Event Location

Event Details

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Eastern Time
Where: Avalon at Squaw Creek - Casanova Room | 761 Youngstown Kingsville Rd SE, Vienna, OH 44473
Cost: $40, Free for Members
Value Acceleration Knowledge Hours: 2
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Who Should Attend?

  • Attorneys

    You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Estate Planners

    Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.

  • 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.

  • Insurance Professionals

    Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Other Professional Advisors

    Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.

  • Private Business Owners

  • Members of Family Business Boards

  • Professional Advisors

  • Business Consultants

  • Other Business Professionals

  • Business Owners

  • 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.