• Mergers and Acquisitions/Exit Planning - QuickRead Top Story

    Exit Planning: Examining Available Sale Options and Steps to Maximize the Financial Outcome (Part I of II)

    October 29, 2025

    Effective exit planning is essential for business owners to maximize financial outcomes when selling or transferring their business. This two-part comprehensive guide explores the strategic options available, the timing required for preparation, and key value drivers to enhance sale success. Effective exit planning is essential for business owners to maximize financial outcomes when selling or transferring their business. This comprehensive guide explores the strategic options available, the timing required for preparation, and key value drivers to enhance sale success. I have been involved in buying and selling businesses for about 25 years and have talked to countless business owners during…

  • QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    The Repurchase Obligation of an ESOP-Owned Company

    December 30, 2020

    Funding and Planning for Repurchase Obligation and the Use of COLI Understanding the potential detriments of unfunded (or under-funded) repurchase agreements, the ability to put the proper insurance in place to adequately address the financing of retirement benefits for ESOP shareholders has been proven to be a prudent financial decision for many companies. There are many significant benefits to being an employee-owned company. Management must take care to ensure that funding is planned for and available to. One of the purposes of an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)  is to provide retirement benefits to ESOP participants. Because an ESOP holds…