This book shows the owners of private businesses how to plan for the most important event in their business lives - a successful exit from their businesses. It is unique because it is written from the owner's point of view, bringing together in one place all you need to know about planning for this key event.

Contents: Introduction: The story of Bill and Carol. Part 1: Laying the Foundations: The importance of time and timing; How to plan for the continuity of your business; Establishing the value of your business. Part 2: Choosing Your Exit Strategy: What are the exit options for your business?; How to choose the best exit strategy; Impediments to sale. Part 3: Preparing and Implementing Your Plans: Business planning - the essential elements; Short-term exit strategy planning; How to design your master exit strategy plan; The integrated financial plan; Putting your master exit strategy plan into action. Part 4: Appendices: What about tax?; Valuation principles and methods; Agents and franchisees; Family succession planning; Management buyouts and buy-ins; Flotation or public listing; Franchising or licensing; Trade sales; The sole trader merger; Ceasing to trade. Index.

John Hawkey BA (Hons), Dip Law, MCom, CPA, Barrister at Law, has had extensive experience in business, professional practice and consulting, including being an owner/manager in manufacturing, publishing and printing. For several years he worked in the fields of insolvency and reconstruction before spending the last 15 years as a consultant providing specialist services in mergers and acquisitions, business sales and exit strategy planning. John is a Director of Exit Strategies Limited, a UK-based consultancy offering exit strategy planning advice. More information is available from the company's website at www.exitstrategyplanning.com, or you can contact John at johnhawkey@aol.com