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EXIT PLANNING

Maximize Value Before You Sell

Selling your business isn’t just about timing the market — it’s about being prepared when opportunity arrives. Too many business owners wait until a buyer comes knocking. The result? Lower valuations, rushed due diligence, and missed opportunities.

Exit planning flips the script, putting you in control of timing, terms, and outcomes. At Black Diamond Capital Advisory Firm, we work with business owners to create clear exit planning strategies that maximize business value, reduce risk, and protect your legacy.

 

Get Our 2025 Exit Readiness Report

At Black Diamond, we help owners focus on the elements that move the needle most with buyers:

  • Business Valuation: Understand what your company is really worth (and what’s holding it back).
  • Financial Readiness: Clean, accrual-based financials (and often a sell-side Quality of Earnings review).
  • Operational Improvements: Reduce owner dependence and document key processes.
  • Management Team Strength: Build leadership capacity beyond the founder.
  • Customer & Revenue Mix: Diversify to reduce concentration risk and strengthen recurring revenue streams.
  • Tax & Deal Structure Planning: Work with your advisors to minimize taxes and maximize net proceeds.

When to Start Exit Planning

The best time to start is before you think you need it. Exit planning is most effective when begun 12–36 months before a potential sale.

12 Months Out

Confirm financials are accurate and up-to-date, identify and address red flags, and prepare for buyer questions.

24 Months Out

Build management depth, strengthen recurring revenue, and diversify customer base.

36 Months Out

Invest in long-term growth drivers that make your company more attractive and transferable.

Key Components of an Effective Exit Plan

At Black Diamond, we help owners focus on the elements that move the needle most with buyers:

  • Business Valuation: Understand what your company is really worth (and what’s holding it back).
  • Financial Readiness: Clean, accrual-based financials (and often a sell-side Quality of Earnings review).
  • Operational Improvements: Reduce owner dependence and document key processes.
  • Management Team Strength: Build leadership capacity beyond the founder.
  • Customer & Revenue Mix: Diversify to reduce concentration risk and strengthen recurring revenue streams.
  • Tax & Deal Structure Planning: Work with your advisors to minimize taxes and maximize net proceeds.