| name | exit-your-business |
| description | Guided workflow for business owners planning an exit, from business valuation and preparation through marketing the business, negotiating the sale, and managing the transition. Covers sale to a third party, management buyout, and succession planning.
Use when the user wants to exit your business or needs a structured multi-step process for this goal.
Do NOT use when the request is a single-step task or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance. |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| type | workflow |
| skills | competitive-analyst business-planner negotiation-master contract-reviewer |
| trigger_phrases | I want to sell my business help me exit my business how to value my company plan a business exit succession planning for my business prepare my business for sale |
| metadata | {"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"strategy step-by-step planning","category":"business-operations","depends":"competitive-analyst business-planner negotiation-master contract-reviewer"} |
Exit Your Business
This workflow references financial information for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making major financial decisions.
Estimated time: 6-18 months
Exiting a business is one of the most significant financial events in an
owner's life. Whether selling to a third party, executing a management
buyout, or transitioning to a successor, the process requires careful
preparation to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition. Most
business owners only do this once, and mistakes are expensive.
This workflow guides you through five stages: valuing your business,
preparing it for sale, marketing to potential buyers, negotiating the
deal terms, and managing the ownership transition. The entire process
typically takes 6-18 months from decision to closing.
By the end of this workflow you will have: a defensible business valuation,
a sale-ready business, an active buyer process, negotiated deal terms, and
a completed ownership transition.
When to Use
- User wants to exit your business
- User needs a structured, step-by-step process for exit your business
- User wants to sell my business
- User wants to exit my business
- how to value my company
- Do NOT use when: the request is outside the scope of exit your business or requires professional advice beyond educational guidance
- Do NOT use for single-step tasks that one atomic skill can handle independently
Prerequisites
Before starting this workflow, ensure:
- An operating business with at least 2-3 years of financial history
- Clear ownership structure (no unresolved partner disputes)
- Willingness to invest 6-18 months in the exit process
- Financial records that are organized and accurate
- Realistic expectations about valuation and timeline
- Understanding that the process will require professional advisors
Steps
Step 1: Value Your Business (uses: competitive-analyst)
develop a defensible business valuation
and understand how your business compares to market standards.
- Input: Business financials for the past 3-5 years (revenue, profit, cash flow), Industry and market context, Business model and competitive position
- Output: Valuation range using multiple methodologies, Adjusted SDE/EBITDA with documented add-backs, Strengths and weaknesses affecting valuation
- Key focus: Financial performance analysis (revenue trends, profit margins, cash flow)
Step 2: Prepare the Business for Sale (uses: business-planner)
prepare the business for maximum value
at sale. Preparation typically takes 6-12 months and can significantly
increase the sale price.
