Succession Planning

Perpetuating the future of your business by identifying and developing key employees

A succession plan is an organized approach to identifying and developing potential future leaders within an organization. It involves assessing the current and future leadership needs of the organization and developing strategies to fill any gaps. It also involves identifying, evaluating, and preparing potential successors for key roles and providing them with the necessary tools, training, and resources to be successful. Succession planning helps organizations ensure continuity and a smooth transition when key personnel leaves or retires.

Succession planning involves two parts, succession of management and succession of ownership.

We help you transition to a new management team and ownership, formulate plans that minimize tax burdens, complement estate plans, preserve family wealth, and provide a seamless transition into retirement.

Succession Planning vs. Exit Planning

Succession planning and exit planning work together to ensure a seamless transition of ownership and operations of a business. Succession planning is a proactive process that identifies and develops potential successors to key roles within a business, while exit planning is a strategy that helps business owners prepare to leave their company. Both are important processes that ensure the sustainability, continuity, and prosperity of a business. Together, they provide comprehensive preparation for the future of a business.

Areas of Expertise

Exit planning consulting
Retirement planning
Family wealth preservation
Personal and family tax analysis and planning
Estate and gift tax planning
Business valuation
Stock sale programs
Stock gifting programs
Assistance with buy-sell agreements
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
Family Limited Partnerships

Assistance with negotiations
Tax issues associated with business succession planning
After-tax cash projections from sale transactions
Preparation of federal, state, and local income tax returns
Impact of new tax and regulatory statutes on planning
Exit Planning
Transaction Advisory Services
Management buy-outs

Benefits of Succession Planning

Increased Business Value

A potential buyer wants to know that when an owner leaves the company, the business will be able to remain profitable.

Improved Continuity

Succession planning ensures a seamless transition of leadership, which helps ensure that the company remains stable and productive.

Increased Preparation

By identifying potential successors, organizations are able to provide them with the guidance and training they need to succeed in the role.

Increased Morale

By encouraging internal growth and development, succession planning helps boost the organization's morale.

Reduced Costs

Succession planning can help to reduce the costs associated with recruiting and onboarding new employees.

Improved Performance

By identifying and developing the right people, succession planning can help organizations to achieve their goals more quickly and effectively.

Want to learn more about our Succession Planning services?

Let's get to know each other, and see how Trout CPA can help with your needs.