Succession Planning Services
How to monetise your investment when you are ready to leave your business.
Advance Planning to Realise the Full Value of Your Business
Your business is an investment that you might want to monetise before you leave the business. This is why planning your succession well in advance is key.
When planning for the future of a business, there are several structured options available such as family succession, management buyout, trade sale or employee ownership trust (to name a few). The right one depends on your goals, your timeframe, the people involved, and the long-term value you want to protect.
We will work with you on all aspects of succession planning to make sure that you choose the option that is right for you and your business.
Our Succession Planning Services Include:
- Business valuation
- Advice on selling a business, maximising value, preparing for a sale, and getting the right buyer
- Analysis of exit options
- Identify potential buyers and management teams
- Management buy-outs or buy-ins
- Fundraising
- Family succession
"We understand the underlying emotions attached with planning a successor to take over a business but, we also recognise the need to act logically and strategically. Therefore, we guarantee the perfect succession plan that ticks all the boxes."
Nikesh Shah, Tax Partner
Succession Planning Expertise
- Many years of experience in succession planning to help you drive maximum value
- Proficiency in exit planning strategies to make sure your business is well-positioned in the market, and the timing of the sale is perfect
- Business advisors with an eye on the market landscape to help you identify potential buyers and management teams
- Thorough project planning to work through the transition period so there is minimum work and stress
With the right planning, succession can protect value, reduce risk, and create a clear path for both the business and the outgoing owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Succession planning is the process of preparing for the future of your business by identifying who will take over key roles, ownership or leadership when you step back, retire or exit.
Without a clear plan, businesses face disruption, loss of value and conflict. A well-designed succession plan protects continuity, preserves the business’s value and ensures a smooth transition for clients, staff and stakeholders.
Ideally several years before you intend to exit. Early planning gives you more options, improves tax efficiency and allows time to prepare your successors or structure a sale properly.
Common options include:
- Passing the business to family
- Management buyout (MBO)
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
- Bringing in external leadership
- Trade sale to another business
- Partial sale or investor involvement
- A planned shutdown (in specific cases)
Most businesses consider a combination over time.
This depends on your goals, timeframe, financial needs, the strength of your management team, business structure and appetite for continued involvement. Advisory support helps you weigh the pros and cons of each.
Ownership succession deals with who legally owns the business. Leadership succession focuses on who runs the business operationally.
These may be the same person – but often they are not.
No. Every business needs a succession plan, including professional service firms, healthcare practices, and owner-managed SMEs. Any organisation relying on key individuals is at risk without one.
Not necessarily. Many owners transition gradually, moving into non-executive or advisory roles while a successor takes operational control.
Tax is a major factor. The right structure can significantly reduce tax on exit, transfer or sale. Planning early allows you to maximise available reliefs, protect value and avoid unexpected liabilities.
You risk:
- A sudden drop in business value
- Leadership gaps
- Operational disruption
- Loss of staff or clients
- Forced sales at a lower price
- Increased tax costs
- Disputes between partners or family members
Typically:
- The business owner(s)
- Senior leadership
- Key advisors (tax, financial, legal)
- Potential successors
A coordinated approach delivers the best outcome.
The first step is a structured review of your goals, business structure, financial position, and long-term plans. From there, you can identify your preferred exit route and build a clear transition timeline.
Take the First Step
To speak to a partner or for more information about the services we offer please contact the DSK offices or complete our contact form.