Business Exit Strategies: Three Smart Deal Structures Every Owner Should Know
- CRI M&A Advisors
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Understanding your exit options is crucial when you're preparing to sell your business. Not all business exit strategies are created equal, and choosing the right path depends on your personal goals, future vision, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
At CRI M&A Advisors, we guide business owners through tailored exit strategies that align with both their financial goals and emotional priorities. Here are three powerful deal types every entrepreneur should consider:
The Full Exit Strategy (100% Sale – Total Ownership Transfer) This is the classic “walk-away” scenario. You sell 100% of your business and step away from daily operations—ready for retirement, a new venture, or a well-earned break.
Best For:
Owners ready for full retirement or a clean break.
Businesses that are mature and not reliant on the owner's day-to-day involvement.
Companies without a clear succession plan or uninterested family successors.
Key Considerations:
Often sold to strategic buyers or industry consolidators.
Requires strong financials, streamlined operations, and low owner dependency.
Post-sale involvement is minimal—usually just a transition period.
This exit is about harvesting the value you've built—a final chapter done right.
The Growth Partner Exit (Majority Sale to Private Equity – Stay & Scale) Here, you sell a majority stake (typically 60–80%) to a private equity group and continue running the business alongside your new partners. Known as the “second bite at the apple,” this model allows you to cash out partially while driving future growth.
Best For:
Entrepreneurs with energy to lead but limited capital to expand.
Businesses that have hit a growth plateau and need strategic help.
Owners open to performance metrics, reporting structures, and institutional involvement.
Key Considerations:
Initial sale provides liquidity, with a second (often larger) payout down the road.
Success hinges on alignment with the PE firm’s goals and timeline.
Offers capital, experience, and a built-in exit plan.
This strategy lets you de-risk while still playing a key role in the business’s next growth phase.
The Legacy Preservation Exit (Sale to a Family Office – Values-Driven Transition)
Family offices offer long-term capital without the pressure of quick flips. These buyers care about culture, team continuity, and sustainable success across generations.
Best For:
Founders focused on preserving company values and team stability.
Owners looking for a low-disruption exit with long-term alignment.
Businesses with strong community ties or unique cultures worth protecting.
Key Considerations:
Legacy buyers prioritize relationship and mission over rapid ROI.
Valuations may be fair, but not as aggressive as private equity.
Transitions are typically smoother and culturally sensitive.
This option supports a thoughtful exit where your impact lives beyond the deal.
Which Business Exit Strategy Is Right for You?
The ideal business exit strategy isn’t just about the highest price, it’s about fit. Whether you seek a clean departure, a capital partner for the next stage, or a legacy-minded buyer, the right deal should reflect your unique goals.
At CRI M&A Advisors, we help business owners explore the market, evaluate options, and build customized exit plans that honor what they’ve built.
Ready to Explore Your Exit Options?
Let’s talk about the path that’s best for your business and your future. Contact us today and take the first step toward a confident, strategic exit.
Comments