Help your clients start succession planning in 4 simple steps

Whether your business-owner clients are just beginning to think about their exit or are actively planning for the future, this checklist offers a practical way to organize their thoughts and take the next steps with confidence.


Why it matters

Early planning offers more opportunities to:
  • Maximize business value
  • Identify the right buyer
  • Fund the plan effectively

The checklist provides context by asking and answering key questions, including:
  • What is business succession planning?
  • What are the consequences of not having a business succession strategy?
Three people sitting at a table looking at information on a computer

The checklist then lays out 4 key steps to the business succession process:

Step 1

Set goals and objectives.

Step 2

Determine the fair market value of the company.

Step 3

Consider possible exit and succession options.

Step 4

Enter into and decide how to fund the buy/sell agreement.

Finally, the checklist highlights planning considerations that can help protect both the business and family, while opening valuable opportunities for long-term success, such as:

  • Key employee retention and protection
  • Income replacement planning
  • Estate equalization and liquidity
  • Long-term care needs
  • Retirement and legacy goals

Our client-facing checklist makes it easier for business owners to understand the components of this important process and encourages them to partner with you in executing it.

Download the checklist to start more productive planning conversations.

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