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At Franklins Solicitors, we provide more than 40+ years working with business owners to develop exit plans that align with their long-term goals and maximise value.

Why Exit Planning Matters

After years of hard work building your business, it’s essential that your exit reflects the time, effort, and investment you’ve put in. If you wish to exit the business and for the business to continue operating, a well-prepared exit strategy helps you:

  • Maximise the market value of your business
  • Minimise tax liabilities and legal risks
  • Ensure business continuity after your departure
  • Secure a smooth transition for staff, clients, and stakeholders
  • Retain control over how and when you leave

We recommend exit planning begins at least two years before your intended departure—though in some cases, it’s beneficial to plan from the outset of your business journey.

Your Exit Options

No two exits are alike. The best strategy for you depends on your business structure, personal goals, and market conditions. We help you explore and prepare for a range of exit routes, including:

  • Trade sale to another business
  • Share or asset sale of the company
  • Merger with a strategic partner
  • Management Buy-Out (MBO) or Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
  • Family succession planning
  • Orderly liquidation and closure

Not sure which option is right for you? We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, helping you choose a path that reflects your financial, personal, and professional priorities.

Preparing Your Business for Exit

A successful exit is the result of careful planning and preparation. Our team will help you:

  • Conduct a pre-sale legal due diligence audit
  • Review contracts, leases, and compliance frameworks
  • Strengthen governance and shareholder documentation
  • Address employment matters and succession risks
  • Improve financial visibility and reporting

Buyers and successors value a business that is stable and well-documented. We work with your accountants and stakeholders to present your business in the best possible light.

Valuation and Selling Strategy

One of the most critical components of an exit is valuing the business correctly. We support you in:

  • Assessing the business holistically—considering tangible assets, IP, contracts, goodwill, and growth potential
  • Working with valuation experts to establish a fair market price
  • Preparing and negotiating heads of terms, sale agreements, and transfer documents
  • Structuring deals that meet your financial and tax objectives

We also advise on whether a share sale or asset sale is more appropriate, helping to align legal and commercial goals and navigate potential buyer-seller differences.

A Gradual, Structured Exit

A good exit is rarely abrupt. Most successful transitions involve a phased handover where you remain involved for a set period post-sale or retirement. This ensures continuity, maintains confidence among clients and staff, and provides vital knowledge transfer to the new owners or leadership team.

We help you formalise transitional roles within the sale contract and succession plan, allowing for a smooth and respectful departure on your terms.

Why Choose Franklins Solicitors?

  • Every business is different. We work closely with you to create a bespoke strategy that matches your goals.
  • From legal due diligence to succession planning and post-sale guidance, we cover all angles.
  • With expertise across commercial law, employment law, property, and corporate structuring, we provide fully integrated support.
  • We liaise with your accountant, tax advisor, and financial planner for a seamless process.
  • We handle all exit planning with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Exit Strategies

What is an exit strategy in the context of a business?

An exit strategy is a plan devised by a business owner or management to sell their ownership in a company to investors or another company, or to alter its corporate structure if the business is no longer viable or if the owner wishes to retire or move on. It’s a strategic roadmap designed to maximise the enterprise’s value upon exit.

How can Franklins Solicitors assist with my business exit strategy?

Franklins Solicitors provides comprehensive legal support for planning and implementing exit strategies. Our services include:

    • Valuation of the business to understand its worth.
    • Identifying the most appropriate exit strategy based on your business model and objectives.
    • Preparing the business for sale or transfer, including legal due diligence.
    • Negotiating terms with potential buyers or successors.
    • Drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements to ensure they align with your interests.
    • Managing the legal aspects of the transition to new ownership or restructuring.

What are the benefits of having legal support for my exit strategy?

Legal support ensures that:

  • Your business is accurately valued and you receive fair compensation for your investment.
  • You are informed about all your options and their implications.
  • The process complies with relevant laws and regulations, minimising legal risks.
  • Contracts and negotiations are handled professionally, protecting your interests.
  • The exit process proceeds smoothly, allowing for a seamless transition.

What are the common types of exit strategies Franklins Solicitors can help with?

We can assist with various exit strategies, including but not limited to:

    • Selling the business to a third party.
    • Transferring ownership to family members or employees (succession planning).
    • Merging with another company.
    • Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for businesses looking to go public.
    • Liquidation or winding down operations in a structured manner.

What is the process for engaging Franklins Solicitors for my exit strategy?

    The process involves:

      • Initial Consultation: Contact us to schedule an initial meeting where we’ll discuss your business, your exit objectives, and how we can assist.
      • Strategy Development: Based on your objectives, we’ll develop a tailored legal strategy for your exit.
      • Implementation: Our team will provide ongoing support throughout the exit process, from preparation and valuation to negotiation and finalisation of the exit.
      • Post-Exit Support: We offer advice on post-exit legal matters, including tax implications and wealth management.

    How much does it cost to receive legal support for an exit strategy?

      Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the exit strategy, the size of the business, and the level of support required. At Franklins Solicitors, we offer:

        • Fixed Fee Arrangements for straightforward processes.
        • Hourly Rates for more complex engagements.
        • We provide transparent pricing from the start and aim to offer flexible billing arrangements that accommodate our clients’ needs.

      Can Franklins Solicitors handle the legal aspects of a cross-border exit strategy?

      Yes, we have experience with international transactions and can guide you through the complexities of cross-border exits, including compliance with foreign laws, international tax planning, and transaction structuring. We work with a network of global legal experts to ensure a comprehensive support system.

      When should I start planning my exit strategy with legal support?

      It’s never too early to start planning your exit strategy. Ideally, legal considerations should be integrated into your business planning from the outset. Engaging with legal support well in advance of your intended exit can significantly enhance the outcome, ensuring you are prepared and positioned to maximise the value of your business when the time comes.

      Contact the Franklins Business Services team

      If you have any questions about business services, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts who are on hand and ready to help you.