Businesses are most vulnerable when they are preparing for an exit. Staff, clients, competitors and even some family members can react to the news of a potential business exit in ways that undermine your best interests. The best business exits only become visible after the deal is done. They appear seemingly from nowhere and are communicated as the natural and next stage of evolution and growth of a business.

Many business owners are so scared of the possibility of knowledge of an impending exit leaking that they either don’t correctly prepare or they try to achieve it without a broad enough stable of professional support. The entire Exit By Design team operates under a common Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that binds them to confidentiality in all matters pertaining to your exit. It’s how we ensure that all of the pieces of the puzzle that make up a successful exit are in place well in advance. It’s also how we provide you with the peace of mind and ‘safe harbour’ that allows you to manage one of the most important business choices you will ever make. It appears 'business as usual' for those outside your circle of trust on your exit.

When you engage the Exit By Design team, you engage the individual services of professional service companies. These companies provide normal consulting services to businesses and bill under the banner of these services, allowing their overarching aims to go unnoticed by your people. Everyday communications will be done through regular channels (e.g., email and mail). In contrast, more confidential communications that focus on the exit are conducted behind closed doors and on more secure digital channels. It appears 'business as usual' for those outside your circle of trust on your exit.

The downside of operating under a complete cloak of secrecy when preparing for a business exit is that it can be a shock to those you depend on the most when it is finally announced. Staff and clients can even see it as a betrayal, but this response reflects their concern about the uncertainty of their relationship with your business and you. The team at Exit By Design will work with you on a strategy of how this news will eventually be delivered, ensure that all stakeholders feel more comfortable with the change and that their individual concerns have been considered in the decision. There is no way to predict precisely how everyone in your wider circle will react; however, there are ways in which this change will be perceived and how prepared you are to deliver the news.

Confidentiality is more than just layers of secrecy. It's important that you can trust the people who are helping you through this vast business and life-changing experience. Our Exit By Design process helps you build faith in the team that allows you to plan and implement your exit strategy over time. You will have a team who can respond to any question or concern you have from the start of the process to the conclusion of a successful exit. You can draw on the services as needed and access professionals with unique skills in enhancing the value and visibility of your business, potentially attracting a broader, more lucrative, and more culturally appropriate pool of potential acquirers of your business. You can achieve all of this with the peace of mind that everything remains confidential until you're ready to make an announcement.