Forte Consulting Group

How You Can Structure Your Exit

The price you agree on and how you get paid are two different conversations. See below for the most common ways businesses are sold.

All-Cash at Closing

Buyer fundsFull price at closingYou

You're paid in full. No ongoing risk tied to the buyer's performance.

LenderBuyerFull price at closingYou

The most common Main Street structure. You're paid in full, and the lender holds the ongoing risk.

Down payment at closingYou

Remainder over 2–5 years, with interestYou

Part of your payout depends on the business continuing to perform after you've left.

Payment at closingYou

Later, if revenue or profit targets are hitYou

Part of the price is tied to a business you no longer fully control.

Cash at closingYou, plus a minority stake

More common with private equity or a larger acquirer. Some of your value stays at risk.

SBA-funded down paymentSeller note for the balance

Most real deals mix two or more. The mix depends on the buyer, the lender, and whether you want certainty now or upside later.

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