A monumental shift is underway in the business world, and if you own a company, it’s coming straight for you.

In the US over the next decade, 75% of business owners plan to exit their businesses. That’s a staggering 4.5 million privately held companies potentially changing hands, with nearly $14 trillion in business wealth at stake. This isn’t just a wave — it’s a tsunami of opportunity for those who are prepared.

The question is: will you ride it to success, or will you be caught off guard?

The Changing Face of Business Exits

A decade ago, most business owners were flying blind when it came to exit planning. Many assumed they’d simply “sell when the time is right,” only to realise — too late — that their businesses weren’t truly sellable.

Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a shift. Younger business owners are not just thinking about their exit — they’re actively planning it. They’re documenting goals, engaging outside advisors, conducting formal business valuations, and ensuring their companies are truly transferable assets.

Yet, the stark reality is that many boomer-owned businesses remain unprepared. With every passing year, more owners face the cold truth: a business that isn’t designed for sale is a business that might not sell at all.

Why This Matters to You

Think of the market like a game of musical chairs. Right now, there are plenty of buyers — private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and even ambitious entrepreneurs looking to buy their way into success. But with so many businesses preparing to sell, buyers will have their pick of the litter.

Only the best-prepared businesses will command premium valuations. The rest? They risk getting lower offers, worse deal structures, or, in the worst cases, no deal at all.

What Buyers Want (and What Most Sellers Overlook)

In today’s M&A climate, buyers aren’t just looking at your revenue and profit numbers. They’re assessing factors like:

• Transferable Value — Can the business run without the owner?

• Recurring Revenue — Is there predictable cash flow?

• Strong Management Teams — Is there leadership in place post-sale?

• Growth Potential — Can the buyer scale the business further?

• Strategic Value — Does the company have assets (customer base, IP, contracts) that provide synergies to the buyer?

   

Buyers will pay top dollar for businesses that tick these boxes. If yours doesn’t, expect to be lowballed.

The Three Pillars of a Perfect Exit

A successful exit isn’t just about getting a good price — it’s about aligning business, personal, and financial goals. The best exits happen when:

Your Business is Exit-Ready

• Strong operations, clean financials, and minimal reliance on you as the owner.

   

Your Personal Readiness is Clear

• You have a plan for what’s next — whether that’s retirement, a new venture, or philanthropy.

   

Your Financial Freedom is Secured

• You know how much you need from the sale to fund your lifestyle and future plans.

   

Neglecting any of these areas can lead to regret. In fact, 75% of owners regret selling their business within a year of exiting. Why? Because they didn’t plan for what came next.

Act Now, Before the Market Shifts

Right now, M&A activity is strong, with buy-side transactions increasing 15% in the second half of 2023, despite economic turbulence. But this won’t last forever.

As more baby boomers flood the market with businesses for sale, competition will increase, valuations will compress, and buyers will get more selective.

If you want to exit at the top, the time to prepare is now.

Where Do You Start?

Here’s what you can do today to get ahead:

✅ Get a Business Valuation — Understand where you stand in the market.

✅ Develop an Exit Strategy — Whether it’s a sale, MBO, or ESOP, have a plan.

✅ Build Your Management Team — The less the business depends on you, the better.

✅ Boost Your Recurring Revenue — Buyers love predictability.

✅ Work with Exit Planning Experts — The right guidance can add millions to your exit.

Final Thought: Will You Lead or Lag?

The exit wave is here. Some business owners will ride it to financial freedom. Others will miss their chance, undervalue their life’s work, and regret their lack of preparation.

Which side will you be on?