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Executing your business exit strategy
A successful business exit strategy is about more than current performance. Buyers want to see future potential. Our exit strategy and corporate finance experts work with you to make your business attractive to the right buyers by:
- Optimising how your business is presented
- Streamlining operations and improving efficiencies
- Completing due diligence to uncover risks and liabilities
- Advising on actions that prevent buyers withdrawing
Our approach gives you clarity and confidence to make informed decisions when exiting a business.
Finding the right buyer
The right buyer is not always the highest bidder. A well-thought out business exit strategy means understanding your goals and identifying buyers who share your vision. We consider factors such as long-term objectives and tax planning to secure the best outcome for you and your business.
Expert guidance with global reach
As a trusted business exit strategy consultant, we guide owners through every stage of the sales process. Our corporate finance team combines decades of experience with an international network across offices in 40 countries.
With access to private equity investors, capital markets and strategic trade buyers, we help you find the best fit on the best terms.
Executing the sale and closing the deal
Selling a business can be complex and time-consuming. Our exit strategy frameworks minimise disruption and ensure confidentiality, while driving value. We manage the entire process, including:
- Advising on full or partial exit routes
- Maximising value drivers and addressing detractors
- Preparing marketing materials and coordinating presentations
- Identifying and managing prospective buyers
- Leading negotiations and working with legal advisers to close the deal
Our approach gives you access to global buyers and sector specialists, positioning your business for success.
Tax planning and preserving your wealth
Tax planning is critical when executing your exit. With constant changes to tax legislation, more onerous reporting requirements and the increased risk of investigation, it’s important your tax affairs are in order before you exit your business.
Our private client tax specialists help maximise reliefs and manage exposure, while our corporate finance experts structure deals efficiently. We address legacy issues and ensure compliance with UK and international tax requirements.
Succession planning
If passing your business to family is part of your exit strategy, we help create a detailed succession plan. Ensuring a smooth transition from one owner to the next requires a clearly defined vision. From identifying key roles to supporting employee engagement, we ensure continuity and protect your legacy.
At S&W, we’ll also work with you and your successor to put in place a benefits package and reward incentives that engages and supports employees’ wellbeing, enabling the business to continue to flourish.
Our exit-ready services
S&W provides comprehensive solutions and tools to enable you to make informed, practical and personally beneficial decisions regarding your business deal. Drawing on decades of expertise and deep industry experience, our team uncover value and help clients navigate challenges to reach their goals.
M&A
Our mergers and acquisitions experts provide practical, technical advice and support at every stage of the exit process, whether it’s an acquisition, management buyout, management buy-in or employee ownership trust (EOT).
International capability
We offer global coverage and cross-border support and execution for international sales through Oaklins International, with offices worldwide that have closed over 1,900 deals in the last five years.
Tax planning
Our highly experienced tax professionals provide a personal service tailored to your precise requirements, with timely and detailed action on issues such as changes to tax legislation. We’ll work with you to minimise your tax liability and take advantage of available allowances.
Resource
Selling your business
Our comprehensive guide explores how a well-planned business exit strategy and expert advice helps you navigate every stage of the process. From planning to execution and beyond. Find the perfect exit opportunity with S&W.
From planning to execution and beyond. Find the perfect exit opportunity with S&W.
Event
Navigating a business exit
Terry Shephard, Ben Laing, Emma Queen, Louise Barnes, Anthony Eskinazi
Article
How changes to EOTs are reshaping the business exit landscape
Drawing on insights from employee ownership trust (EOT) specialists and S&W directors, Matt Courtiour and Dilpa Raval, we explore what the changes to EOTs mean, their abrupt announcement at the Autumn Budget and how business owners can navigate the evolving landscape of exit strategies.
Article
The long goodbye: Business exits for founders
S&W’s Vanessa Lee and Alex Berman offer insights on how to make a smooth transition from the old order.
Get in touch
S&W helps business owners successfully navigate their exit, smoothing the sales process and ensuring they achieve the outcomes they desire. Talk to our business exit experts today.
