In the middle market, major transitions—such as a change in CEO, acquisition of another business or sale of the company—are extremely common. The Center’s Preparing for Major Business Transition report shows that more than half of U.S. middle market companies can expect to face two major transitions in the span of a decade.
But just because such events are frequent doesn’t mean they are easy to navigate. Indeed, since many middle market companies are privately owned by founders who play a major hands-on role in the business, such transitions are often extremely personal. Most owners report facing some difficulties letting go of the business, and seven out of 10 leaders report that the emotional roller coaster ride experienced during a sale is at least somewhat difficult to manage.
Download this case study to see how one middle market founder navigated both the business and personal challenges involved in selling 80% of the company he and his wife built from scratch and operated for 30 years.