Selling your business brings tough decisions—and big questions. One of the hardest? What happens to your team. In this video, Kirk Michie breaks down how different buyers think about staff retention and what founders should expect during a transition.
When selling your company, it’s natural to worry about your team’s future. The answer often depends on the type of buyer.
Strategic buyers (like larger companies in your industry) often look for operational synergies. That means they may already have departments like HR or finance—and your staff could be seen as redundant.
Private equity buyers, on the other hand, usually want to retain your team, especially your leadership. Their playbook is about growing the business post-acquisition, which means keeping institutional knowledge.
Regardless of buyer type, founders should avoid making promises they can’t guarantee. If you’re concerned about specific team members, it’s smart to flag it early in the deal and explore retention bonuses or support options before the closing.
The key takeaway? Plan ahead, communicate with care, and involve your transaction advisor in any employment-related discussions.
A $20 million offer may deliver less than half that amount at closing once earn-outs, seller notes, and escrow are considered. Before accepting a lone buyer’s terms, see how competition can change the outcome.
The structure of your deal can have a major impact on what you keep after taxes. In this quick video, Kirk explains why the stock sale versus asset sale conversation needs to happen long before closing.
The silver tsunami isn’t just about retirement. It’s about millions of business owners preparing to sell their companies over the next decade. Here’s why founders should start planning years before they want to exit.
Private equity is active, capital is available, and buyers are selective. Kirk shares what’s actually happening in the market as Q4 wraps up.
Why does selling feel so overwhelming? You’re not imagining it.
Still a seller’s market—for the right type of business.
The true cost of selling your company—broken down.
Will your staff survive the sale? Kirk Michie breaks down how buyers think about your team—and what you can do to protect the people who helped build your business.
