Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book provides the answers to what is probably the most important question that any private business owner will need to answer in his or her business life. For those just beginning their business, the book will show you how to plan your exit from start up and how to tailor your business growth with your chosen exit option in mind. For those already in business, you will discover how to identify the various exit options available to a private business, how to enter into agreements with partners to ensure your exit plans are not frustrated, and how to groom your business for disposal. In this book you will find out all there is to know about exit planning, including how to: arrange the most tax-effective business ownership structure; choose the best exit option; identify and remove barriers to exit and impediments to sale; train and groom your successor to take over the business; lock in your key staff and management to ensure a smooth handover; and prepare a master exit plan to facilitate a successful exit.