Every business owner has a story. They know why customers stay, why employees are loyal, and why their company deserves a premium valuation. The challenge in selling a business is that buyers don’t purchase potential. They purchase evidence that the potential is real. I recently spent time with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, an educator and consultant […]
The following article, authored by Mark Weaver and Cami Fergus of Farella Braun + Martel’s Family Wealth Group, offers a timely look at gifting ownership interests during periods of low business valuations. While their examples reference vineyard and winery properties, the strategies apply equally to owners of any closely held business. The core insight is powerful: because the IRS measures gift and […]
In January 2025, our firm published a blog on the impact of the Connelly v. United States case and how the court’s ruling has influenced business valuations. In October 2025, I had the opportunity to present at a Business Valuation Resources (BVR) webinar titled “Lessons Learned After Connelly: Valuation, Insurance, and Planning in Practice.” The […]
In the current business and financial landscape, characterized by the rapid pace of information, transactions, and decisions, there is a certain discomfort and even annoyance associated with waiting. Where delay often signals indecision, risk, or a missed opportunity, waiting feels unnatural. Yet, in 2025, the financial markets and those participating in them are collectively doing […]
The M&A market is in the midst of an extended “time out.” According to a Reuters article in May 2025, “the number of M&A contracts announced across the world – an indicator of global economic health – fell in April to the lowest level in more than 20 years, according to data compiled by Dealogic […]
For business owners, a well-structured buy-sell agreement is essential for ensuring a seamless transition of ownership in the event of death, disability, or retirement. These agreements define who has the right to purchase ownership interests and at what price, mitigating potential disputes among partners, heirs, and buyers. Valuation: A Critical Component A properly structured buy-sell […]
This October, I will celebrate my 12th year as an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in Business Valuation with the American Society of Appraisers (also ASA). ASA members meet every year for an International Conference to discuss current topics and to share knowledge and best practices. I attended the most recent Conference in Portland, OR. A presentation […]
For business owners of privately held companies seeking a seamless and impactful way to contribute to charitable causes, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a philanthropic and tax-efficient solution. These vehicles offer a flexible and tax-efficient way to manage charitable donations, allowing donors to make contributions to a fund and then recommend grants to their […]
So what is an expert and, more importantly, are you one? The term “expert” has many definitions. For anyone who has written a wedding toast or sat through a valedictorian’s speech you know how the next sentence starts…Webster defines an Expert as “one with a special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.” […]
Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is a leading provider of business sales and acquisitions, business valuations, and exit planning services for family owned and closely-held companies since 2002.
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