It might seem like there’s never a good time to plan for the future, but many of the hassles that demand your attention now are not so important in the long run. Take the time to ask yourself where you would like to see your business in one, two, or five years. As one person said, don’t let the urgent throw out the important. You may want to sell to others or see a family member take over. You may have no relative who is interested but have employees who would jump at the chance to own the business. Whatever the future holds for your business, it’s never too early to start making plans.
Creating a succession plan is a slow-burning process that encourages you to analyze all aspects of the business (and your life as the owner) and come up with the best option to ensure the continuance of your hard work – and the opportunity for you to enjoy the fruits of your many years of labour.
Here are seven things to ponder when planning your succession:
Examine your vision for the business: how will it grow and evolve? What needs to be done to realize this vision? Do marketing efforts need to be strengthened or a stronger sales team developed? Knowing what you want for the business will help you determine which option is the best: passing the business to a successor, a management buy-out (or an employee buy-in) or selling the business.
Whatever you choose, this will be a big transition for you, especially if you’ve been in charge for many years; it’s not going to be easy. Keeping the lines of communication open between all parties impacted by the succession will help with the creation of a realistic plan.
2. Select and prepare a successor
Regardless of whether your successor is a family member, key employee or an outside buyer, you need to thoroughly assess their ability to follow and execute your vision. If you agree to stay on for a year or two, it’s possible a buyer might pay more to capture your expertise and help in the transition.
3. Determine the value of the business
A valuation considers both the tangible and intangible assets of a business. Tangible assets are things like property and inventory, while intangible assets include patents, trademarks, and customer goodwill. Measuring a company’s value is not so much about how it has performed in the past, but gauging how well it will perform in the future, thus determining its fair market value. Due to tax considerations, it’s important the valuation is done by a certified professional to avoid any challenges.
4. Sell the business
Once you’ve decided to sell, you have to decide when. You should plan to spend a year or two getting ready to sell by strengthening the business and enhancing its value. You will also need to look at your personal income tax and estate planning to ensure the sale is tax-efficient – especially since for most business owners, the sale of the business is their retirement plan.
With the help of trusted advisors, create a selling document that accurately describes the company: history, products, markets, personnel – everything!
At the same time, develop a list of potential buyers – look to suppliers, competitors, family members, employees. Potential buyers will want to do their own due diligence to avoid last-minute surprises that could jeopardise the sale.
5. Finance the succession plan
You will need to decide what is being sold; is the business a proprietorship or incorporated? Does the structure need to change for legal or tax reasons?
You will also need to consider how you want to be paid – lump sum or installments?
Another consideration is whether you want to keep working for the company in some capacity – or if you prefer to make a clean break. Remember that as well as looking at the tax and legal implications, you need to look at the lifestyle changes that will come around. Are you ready to go from working long days to having no responsibilities? Or do you prefer the idea of a gradual retirement?
When choosing your successor you will need to look at their ability to finance their purchase. A wise purchaser will see the seller as an asset and a source of information as they draw up their business plan. The purchaser and seller working together can also help convince potential lenders that this is a good investment.
Be sure to consult with your lawyer and/or accountant on your options regarding financing and payment.
6. Understand the tax and legal issues
Tax and legal implications are important, especially if you’re looking to the sale of your business to fund your retirement; start consulting with professional advisors early in the succession planning stages. Tax will apply differently if you’re selling to an outsider versus to selling to family, and remember farms are treated differently than other businesses. You will want to look carefully at the business structure to ensure you qualify for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption.
7. Managing wealth to secure your future
Work with a financial advisor to help you plan how to deal with your new wealth. You need to be sure that the money you make on the sale will allow you to live the life you want… for as long as you live. Get recommendations on advisors from trusted friends/associates and then interview three or four, to find the person you are most comfortable with and are willing to trust with your money.
Don’t forget to consider the income tax implications of any investment decisions. You will also need to look to estate planning – what happens to your wealth once you’re gone? Estate planning often falls low on people’s priority list, but it needs to be thought out in order to ensure that your legacy is protected and family members who are relying on you for financial stability are not left without.
Keeping it in the family or Management buy-out?
It’s natural to want to pass your business onto the next generation, but this requires that they have the knowledge, skills, and experience to run the company and take it forward. Regular meetings of all involved will keep everyone informed and provide a safe space to discuss business concerns. You may want to consider using a facilitator since there are bound to be conflicts arising from overlapping family and business lives.
There are also tax implications to be considered when passing the business to your children, especially with regards to the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. You will want to talk with an accountant or tax professional before making any decisions.
A management buy-out is essentially the purchase of the business by part or all of the existing management. Since the financing can be trickier, the owner’s exit is often gradual, with the transition taking place over three to five years. It’s important to ensure that all members of the management team agree with the vision, and are all truly interested in owning a stake in the business.
The management team needs to be strong and credible with a well thought-out business plan and sufficient financial backing. Both the business owner and the management team should engage independent professional advisors to guide them through the negotiations.
Start planning today
The overriding theme is to begin the process as soon as possible if you haven’t already. If done properly, succession planning is not a one-time exercise, but an ongoing process that you regularly update and amend as circumstances change.
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Finally, never forget that CFIB is here to help you. You can always call our counsellors if you have further questions.
Check out our succession report for recommendations on how government can make succession planning easier. Happy planning!