Exit strategy planning

You have taken many years to build your business and want to maximise your sale proceeds when you sell it. Tax is one of the key issues, and you must strike a workable balance between you and the purchaser:

• You want to sell shares with the possibility of Entrepreneurs' Relief giving an effective tax rate of 10% on the first £1 million of the gain, and a tax rate of 18% on the balance
• The purchaser, typically, wants the possibility of getting enhanced capital allowances and tax relief for purchased good will, but this can increase the tax cost to you by over 400%

Early planning is essential. As you prepare your business for sale, and throughout the sale process, our Corporate & Business Tax team can help you keep the tax you pay to a minimum by advising you on issues such as:

• Ensuring that the sale qualifies for Entrepreneur's Relief, and the implications of this
• Other strategies to shield the tax liability arising from the sale

We can give you all the specialist help and advice you need to guide you through the negotiations and ensure that you get the best possible figure.