Exit Planning

Exit Planning

Packard has been a client of HLB Gross Collins for 33 years, through the tough years and the growth years. They have been a loyal and trusted advisor to us for everything from Audited financials to our recent transition to 100% ESOP, we could not have completed this transaction without their expertise. The firm has grown with us over these years and we look forward to trusting them for all our accounting and tax needs for many years to come. I don’t know how to say enough about how I trust the advisors and friends I have a HLB Gross Collins.

Susan Kirkland, President

Packard, Inc.

Business owners should have an exit strategy: a plan for the time when they're either unwilling or unable to keep running their company. Often, that planning can include a current disaster plan for relatively young business owners and a future long-term succession plan for a smooth path to retirement. At HLB Gross Collins, P.C. we work with owners as to the best exit plan for their business. Whether you are passing your business to the next generation, selling all or part of the business to a third party or exiting through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), HLB Gross Collins, P.C. can assist you through each step of the process. Our consulting experts can help you with the following:

  • Maximize business value
  • Develop a succession plan
  • Determine strategic options
  • Minimize taxes


Buy-sell benefits

Business owners and co-owners of all ages should have a buy-sell agreement in place. Such an agreement should identify the buyer, in case a sale becomes necessary, and specified events that will trigger the buyout. The agreement also should spell out how the price will be determined-it could be a multiple of cash flow or revenue, for instance.

If a company has two or more co-owners, a mutual buy-sell can be effective. For sole shareholders finding a buyer may require some creativity. A key employee might be named, or even a competitor. Funding for a possible buyout might be provided through life and disability insurance.

A long-term exit plan also should cover taxes because certain deal structures can be more or less favorable to the seller. HLB Gross Collins, P.C. can help you work out the terms of an exit strategy and a plan that will make the most sense for current and future business owners.


I have used HLB Gross Collins for personal taxes and partnership returns for over 10 years. I have found the firm and my primary contact, Abigail Hampton to be competent and responsive even when I have been late providing information. I have no reservations in recommending Gross Collins and Abigail to anyone needing a CPA.

Steve Zeis CEO & Founder

Zeis Brothers Investment

We appreciate the personal approach Gross Collins takes with our tax planning and preparation needs.

John Sudduth, Controller

Pioneer Concrete Pumping Service, Inc.

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