Client Outcomes — Business Exit Planning Case Studies
The following case studies describe real exit planning engagements. Business names and identifying details have been anonymised to protect client confidentiality, but the circumstances and outcomes are genuine.
If you would like to speak with a past client about their experience, this can be arranged for serious enquiries.
Case Study 1: Engineering Services Business, £2.1m Turnover, North of England
Starting Position
The founder of a specialist engineering services business had been approached by a trade buyer and asked for help assessing whether to engage. The business was profitable but heavily dependent on the founder for key customer relationships and technical decision-making. No management information beyond basic annual accounts was available. No exit preparation had been done.
What We Did
An Exit Strategy Review identified that while the business was fundamentally sound, the owner dependency issue and lack of management information would give the buyer significant grounds to reduce the price during due diligence. Rather than engaging with the approach immediately, the founder chose to spend 18 months preparing. A second-tier management structure was put in place, monthly management accounts were introduced, key customer contracts were formalised, and the founder began systematically transitioning client relationships to the operations director.
Outcome
The business was eventually sold to a strategic acquirer (different from the original approach, which had been pursued on the buyer’s timeline) at a price approximately 40% above what the original approach had indicated. The process was smooth, due diligence produced no significant surprises, and the founder completed a clean exit within six months of going to market.
“If I had accepted that first approach, I would have sold for significantly less than the business was worth. The preparation made all the difference.”
— Founder, Engineering Services
Case Study 2: Professional Services Firm, £1.4m Turnover, Midlands
Starting Position
The owner of a professional services firm wanted to retire within three years but had never seriously considered exit options beyond a trade sale. The business had strong recurring revenues but a small management team and significant concentration of technical knowledge in the founder.
What We Did
Following an Exit Strategy Review, an Employee Ownership Trust was identified as the most suitable exit route — one the owner had never previously considered. The EOT structure preserved the culture the owner had built, rewarded the team who had contributed to the business’s success, and was structured to eliminate Capital Gains Tax on the sale. Ongoing consultancy over 24 months focused on preparing the business financially, strengthening the management team’s capability to operate independently, and building the legal and governance structures the EOT required.
Outcome
The business transitioned to employee ownership on schedule. The founder received full consideration at agreed value, with payments funded from the business’s own profits over five years. Capital Gains Tax saving was substantial. The management team took full operational control with a clear mandate and strong momentum. The founder describes it as the outcome she would have hoped for but did not know was possible.
“I had no idea an EOT was an option for a business of my size. It was the perfect outcome — for me, for the team, and for the clients we serve.”
— Owner, Professional Services Firm
Case Study 3: Technology Business, £3.8m Turnover, South East England
Starting Position
Two co-founders of a technology business wanted to exit but had significant disagreements about timing, price expectations, and which exit route to pursue. One wanted a trade sale to a large corporate. The other preferred a management buyout. Neither had an objective view of what the business was worth or what was realistically achievable.
What We Did
An independent business valuation established a credible, evidence-based view of current value and valuation potential. The Exit Strategy Review assessed both a trade sale and an MBO in detail, modelling the likely financial outcome and personal implications of each. With an objective framework, the co-founders reached agreement. They chose a partial exit — selling a 40% stake to a strategic investor — which met both founders’ immediate financial goals, funded a period of accelerated growth, and set up a full exit in three years at a significantly higher valuation.
Outcome
The partial exit completed within nine months of the initial review. Both founders remained involved in the business with defined roles and clear accountability to the new investor. Revenue grew by 28% in the 18 months following the partial exit, significantly increasing the anticipated valuation at the planned full exit.
“Having independent advice that both of us trusted completely was the only way we were going to agree. It gave us a shared factual basis to work from rather than just two opposing opinions.”
— Co-Founder, Technology Business
Case Study 4: Retail and E-Commerce Business, £900k Turnover, North West England
Starting Position
The owner of a growing retail and e-commerce business was not actively planning to sell but took the Exit Readiness Score out of curiosity. The score returned Amber overall but Red on owner dependency and process documentation — areas the owner had not previously considered a priority.
What We Did
A focused 12-month engagement addressed the two Red areas specifically. Key processes were documented and transferred. A part-time operations manager was recruited and embedded. Stock management and financial reporting were improved. At the end of the engagement, a revised valuation showed a meaningful increase in estimated exit value compared to the pre-engagement position — without any increase in revenues or profitability.
Outcome
The owner has not yet sold and does not yet plan to. But the business is now materially more valuable, more resilient, and less stressful to run. When the owner does choose to exit, the preparation is largely complete.
“I started this just wanting to understand my position. I came out the other end with a much better business. The exit planning paid for itself in operational improvements alone.”
— Owner, Retail and E-Commerce Business
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