deal structure & Documentation

One of the most common mistakes that financial advisors make in the merger and acquisitions (M&A) space is to treat every sale or acquisition target the same way. In this white paper we discuss the importance of applying the appropriate approach, documentation, and deal terms to each unique transition.

Acquisition  |   External Sale |   Deal Structure & Documentation

Our latest book, Buying, Selling, & Valuing Financial Practices, shows you how to complete a sale or acquisition while acheiving  the best possible terms for both buyer and seller. From valuations to mergers to bank financing, this book provides the perspective and skills you need to work through your deal professionally and efficiently.

External Sale   |   Exit Planning  |   Valuation & Benchmarking

In this industry, professional networking and client prospecting depend on your charisma and ability to connect beyond surface pleasantries. But when it comes to selling your business, it’s important maintain confidentiality, and avoid casual negotiations without proper documentation to avoid loss of value.

Deal Structure & Documentation   |   External Sale  |   Acquisition

When an advisor sells their business they have to find the right fit; the right person to take over their business and their client relationships. This case study details the seller's journey and the sometimes surprising steps of the process that have the most impact on their decision: first-impressions, communication, and third-party pressures.

External Sale  |   Acquisition

The decision to sell your business doesn’t just jump into your head one day. It takes months, perhaps years of consideration. Just as making the decision takes time, so does the actual process–and the preparation for it. This extensive checklist is designed to help guide you through your options, get your ducks in a row, and understand the realities of this detailed, and often emotional, journey.

External Sale  |   Deal Structure & Documentation

When selling a financial services practice, you are responsible for performing your own due diligence on your buyer and their practice. This checklist covers some of the more common (and most overlooked) steps other buyers and sellers have taken.

External Sale  |   Acquisition  |   Deal Structure & Documentation

A buy-out loan can accelerate your exit plan, while a partial buy-in loan >can facilitate your staged-succession. Both are designed specifically for financial advisors to reduce risk by moving the financing responsibility from seller to bank.

Internal Succession   |   Deal Structure & Documentation

This high-level overview focuses on the nuances of a third-party, asset sale and the details specific to these types of transactions, including negotiations, common terms, and mistakes to avoid during the deal making process.

External Sale   |   Acquisition  |   Deal Structure & Documentation

When drawing up the plans and documents for your Lifestyle Succession Plan unique deal structuring applies. By its nature this type of succession plan requires you to consider increment amounts for ownership transfer, what each increment is worth, and a set time table for reassessing, adjusting, and continuing the plan.

Internal Succession   |   Deal Structure & Documentation

A Self-Canceling Installment Note has the advantages of both private annity and installment sales. They are  used to transfer ownership stake to your heirs at no gift, estate, or inheritance tax cost while retaining a stream of income for yourself over a set period of time. This short resource covers the advantages of a SCIN in certain situations and how it works once in place.

Deal Structure & Documentation   |   Internal Succession

Recruiting and developing a skilled team of advisors can be a daunting challenge for the owner of a financial advisory practice. Doing that, however, is only half the battle. Once you’ve chosen and trained your next generation how do you hold on to them? How do you keep them from opening up shop across the street? Create an ownership track and make the opportunity available to the best on your team.

Internal Succession  |   Compensation   |   Business Growth   |   Entity & Business Structure

Minority and Marketability Discounts apply to shares of privately owned companies. Both are used in the purchase and transfer of shares that do not hold full ownership rights or value. These shares are awarded/sold in various situations and include those that represent a minority equity share that is not entitled to the same voting rights that majority ownership shares do, as well as shares that cannot be easily sold on the open market due to restrictions in place by the firm.

Internal Succession  |   Compensation  |   Deal Structure & Documentation

When it comes to finding the right buyer, the prospective buyer pool need not be large if it is filled with candidates that fit your criteria and are willing to meet your terms. This case study follows the story of one seller who was left at the proverbial altar by a qualified buyer, then found a better match–and an above market offer–using the FP Transitions open market system.

External Sale  |   Deal & Documentation  |   Acquisition