Congratulations! You’ve signed the deal, popped the champagne and taken the reigns. the MBO is done. Now what? It’s a milestone that marks not just ownership, but leadership, legacy, and long-term accountability. It’s tempting to focus solely on stabilising operations, energising the team, and proving the model. But here’s the truth: the best exits are engineered from day one. Exit planning after an MBO isn’t premature – it’s strategic.
Why Exit Planning After an MBO Starts Now
Taking ownership is a strategic move. So is knowing how and when you’ll eventually step away. Whether your horizon is 3, 5, or 10 years, having a clear roadmap ensures:
- You build with purpose: Every decision aligns with your ultimate value creation goals.
- You attract the right talent and partners: People want to know where the business is going and how they fit in.
- You avoid last-minute scrambles: Exit readiness isn’t a switch you flip. It’s a mindset that evolves with you.
Your Roadmap to Smart Exit Planning After An MBO
- Define your exit goals
Trade sale? Secondary buyout? Employee Ownership Trust? Each path has different implications for growth, governance, and valuation. And don’t just pick one, understand what each means for your team, your legacy, and your financial planning.
- Clarify your value drivers
What will make your business attractive to future buyers? Is it recurring revenue, strong margins, a loyal customer base, scalable operations, defensible IP? Start identifying these now and build around them. The more obvious your value, the easier the conversation when the time comes
- Build a resilient leadership team
A business that can thrive without you is far more valuable than one that depends on you. Start delegating. Start documenting. Invest in your people to rise to the leadership needs of the future.
- Get your house in order
Messy books, unclear contracts? These things don’t just slow down a deal, they can derail it. Clean, accessible and documented is what you should be working towards.
- Track performance against exit metrics
Don’t just measure growth. Measure exit readiness: EBITDA trends, customer concentration, churn, and operational scalability.
- Engage advisors early
Don’t wait until you’re ready to sell to bring in the experts. Corporate finance specialists, tax advisors, and legal counsel can help you shape the business for future transactions, not just react when the time comes.
The Mindset Shift
You’re not just running a business – you’re building an asset. That means thinking like an investor, not just an operator. Planning your exit isn’t about leaving, it’s about leading with clarity, confidence, and control.
You’ve earned your seat at the table, now is the time to build the kind of business someone would be proud to buy, and you’d be proud to pass on.
If you’re considering your options and would like to explore what exit planning could look like for you, contact Partner Geoff Pinder for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.