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Post-exit transition and business succession
Just as strong pre-sale planning supports a smoother transition, effective post-exit planning secures its success. At S&W, we support business owners through the post-sale phase with practical advice that protects value, manages risk and helps you move confidently into the next chapter.
Our experts provide post-sale tax structuring for deal proceeds, alongside wealth and asset preservation strategies. This includes inheritance tax planning, trusts, family office support and ongoing HMRC disclosure and compliance.
No wrong turns, just the right exit.
Maximising assets after a business exit
Following your business exit, it is vital to plan how sale proceeds are managed and grown. This involves careful consideration of tax mitigation. Without a clear plan, you risk unnecessary tax exposure and missed opportunities for long term growth.
Our exit specialists’ tax advice will help identify and apply appropriate reliefs and incentives, ensuring your exit strategy reflects both current legislation and your personal goals.
Inheritance tax often becomes a greater concern post-sale, particularly where business reliefs are no longer available. We advise on inheritance tax mitigation options that preserve value for your loved ones, while managing risk. We take the time to explain all the implications to ensure you understand both the benefits and potential consequences before decisions are made.
Planning your next venture and future business exits
For many entrepreneurs considering a new opportunity, a business exit can be the starting point for another growth journey. We support clients in reinvesting proceeds efficiently, whether into a new trading company, portfolio investments or long-term plans that support the future succession of business.
Our teams provide advice across the full business lifecycle. We help identify opportunities, structure investments, support sustainable growth and embed succession planning from an early stage. Whether this is your first exit or one of many, our experts bring insight, experience and joined up advisory support to help you achieve your objectives.
Post-exit succession planning and legacy
Succession planning remains highly relevant even after an exit, particularly when ownership is passed to the family or management. A successful business succession requires a clear vision, defined roles and strong leadership continuity.
The emotions and relationships involved can make objectivity difficult for business owners. You may want future leaders to protect what you have built, while recognising that their skills and experience may differ. Maintaining workforce confidence and engagement is often a key concern for sustained business success.
S&W works with you and the business you’re exiting to develop robust business succession planning that identifies critical roles, capabilities and development needs. We also help design reward and benefit structures that support employee wellbeing and long-term commitment, reinforcing stability during transition.
Post M&A integration and protecting your legacy
Selling your business is only part of the exit process. Post-merger and acquisition (M&A) integration can present cultural, operational and people related challenges, particularly for employees who remain within the organisation. Clear communication, aligned values and strong leadership are essential to ensure stability and preserve the legacy of the business you have built.
We support sellers and acquirers by advising on integration planning, governance and people strategies. This includes supporting leadership handover, aligning financial and reporting processes and helping retain key talent. A thoughtful, structured approach will help protect employee morale, maintain performance and uphold the reputation of the business beyond your exit.
Our post-exit planning services
Our support continues after your business exit, protecting value and ensuring businesses and individuals enjoy the benefits of a successful sale.
Whether you’re planning your next venture, require support with post-merger integration or want to ensure your business sale proceeds provide the platform for the next chapter of your life, let us help secure your future.
Post-merger integration (PMI)
Integration is the last step in M&A, following months of strategic planning, analysis, due diligence and negotiation. The hard work, disruption, time and money spent acquiring the right business can all be put at risk if integration is poorly executed.
Succession planning - securing the future of your business
Succession planning is a strategic and essential approach for business owners to secure their company's long-term success and legacy. Here’s why…
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 into contact
Our advisers work closely with you to align your wealth with your ambitions. Whether your focus is retirement, supporting family, charitable giving or preparing for a future venture, we help you make the most of the opportunities created by your business exit.
Start the conversation with our business exit specialists today and take control of the next phase of your journey.
