Think of the End at the Start
It's never too early to create an exit strategy. It will help shape decisions you make now and give you a clearer direction of how to grow your company. Read more
Exit Strategies
Recent Exit Strategies Articles
FYI: Dr. Wall Street
Not in recent memory has it been so difficult to gauge the prospects for going public, but a veteran entrepreneur helps clear things up. Read more
The Road to Wall Street
Everyone thinks an IPO is the last hurdle to success, and everyone has it all wrong. It's what happens after you go public that makes all the difference. Read more
Inc's Business for Sale Roundup: Nothing's Moving
Times are tough for business owners looking to sell, and it's not clear when things will rebound. One thing is clear: the sellers and buyers who thrive will ... Read more
IncQuery: Paths to Glory
Finding key executives, using franchising to expand nationally, and getting a read on your company's market value. Read more
Building to Sell
Right now might not be the best time to sell your business. But that doesn't mean you can't start getting it ready for sale. Read more
Business for Sale: Itching to Make Your Mark?
Looking to make your mark in business? Check out this rubber-stamp manufacturer. Read more
Exiting Through an Initial Public Offering
Although this exit strategy is an option for only a select group of entrepreneurial companies, its rewards are well worth the careful planning required. Read more
Business for Sale: Looking for Heady Growth?
Looking for heady growth? Check out this Utah-based restaurant and microbrewery. Read more
For Sale: The American Dream
Need help selling your company? Lots of folks out there claim they can help you get the most for your business. Don't believe everything you hear. Read more
Planning for Succession
Without a succession plan, you risk ensuring business continuity. But where do you start? Here are some first steps to take to get your plan on track. Read more
Core Competencies of a CEO
When CEOs evaluate potential successors, they often overlook evaluating candidates with key leadership qualities in mind. Read more
Choosing a Successful Successor
Choosing the next in line doesn't always mean choosing someone like you or even someone you like. Read more
An IPO for Everyone
According to the cofounder of investment firm Hambrecht Quist, an entirely new way for companies to go public may bring the markets to the masses. Read more
More Strings Attached
Today, even veteran CEOs are having a tough time raising funds, and what money they do raise comes with a lot of strings attached. Read more
How do I value a sporting goods store?
According to Buying a Business mentor Tom West, most retail sporting goods stores sell for about 30% of annual sales plus the wholesale value of the inventor... Read more
Strategic Sales
One way to get capital in hard economic times is to sell off part of your company. Read more
Business for Sale: Coastal California Art Gallery
Big Sur, big opportunity. Get a great deal on a well-situated California art gallery. Read more
Business For Sale: Maryland Day Spa
Ever have one of those "Calgon, take me away" moments? Buying a day spa could help you escape from the rat race -- not to mention give you soft, supple skin. Read more
Business for Sale: North Carolina-Based Photo Studio
The snapshot: this North Carolina-based photo studio has corporate customers any company should shoot for. But when you look at the big picture, does its ask... Read more
Business for Sale: Midwestern Outdoor-Advertising Company
Here's an eye-catching opportunity: A Midwestern outdoor-advertising company, complete with profitability and growth potential. But like Eva Gabor in Gre... Read more
How do I sell my professional service firm?
Tom West, inc.com's Buying a Business or Franchise mentor, offers advice for increasing the sale value of a law firm. Read more
The Right Debt Mix
The question of whether debt increases or decreases a company's value has no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some guidelines as you think about your o... Read more
Giving Credit to Debt
You may think of debt as a drag on your business. But that's not necessarily how the experts see it. Read more
How to Take Stock
If you're thinking about taking equity instead of cash as payment for services, here's a checklist of things to consider. Read more
Inc. 500 CEOs and the Future
A survey of the Inc. 500 CEOs and how they view the future. Read more
Forgoing the IPO in Favor of Selling
Mitchell Jones made the decision to sell his five-year-old company on the heels of trying to buy somebody else's. The next logical step would have been an IP... Read more
Getting Ready -- and Going -- for the IPO
Dave Gould had the wisdom to know that an IPO was the best way to finance Witness Systems's international expansion and new product development. Read more
Snapshots: Start-up Gluttons
Learn about three Inc. 500 entrepreneurs who have each founded several start-ups. Read more
Snapshots: Hall of Fame IPOs
An overview of what has happened to six Inc. 500 Hall of Fame companies since they embarked on an IPO. Read more
Growth: How Fast Is Too Fast?
An overview of the 2000 Inc. 500 list shows that companies today are growing at a stunning pace. But when exactly does fast become too fast? Read more
Should I use a business broker?
Tom West, inc.com's Buying a Business mentor, offers advice for working with business brokers or intermediaries. Read more
Recipe for a $40-Million Score
Read how a highbrow, charismatically challenged chef built a restaurant empire and cashed out big. Read more
Business for Sale: Southeastern Seafood Distributor
Angling for a new business opportunity? Consider this well-established distributor of fresh and frozen seafood. Priced at a rather appetizing level, this bus... Read more
Tips on Selling a Business
Thinking of selling your business? Read these six smart tips first. Read more
