After a couple of quieter years in the M&A landscape, the market is showing strong signs of activity once again. Whether you’re considering selling your agency, acquiring another business, or simply planning ahead, understanding your motivations and options around exit strategy has never been more important.

🎥 Watch our short video on exit strategies below for the full insight:

As someone who spends much of their time on both the buy and sell sides of B2B transactions – whether working with founders looking to grow or advising buyers on acquisitions – I’ve seen a common thread: exits are deeply personal, and yet too often not properly planned for. One of the first conversations I always have with clients is: why did you start this business, and what do you ultimately want from it?

That may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many founders haven’t thought deeply about the answer. And if you’re working with co-founders, alignment on this question is critical. People can have very different definitions of success. Without clarity, it’s easy for ambitions to drift apart. That’s why I recommend documenting your goals – ideally annually, or at the very least every couple of years – because priorities evolve as your business (and life) progresses.

Push vs Pull: The Real Reason to Exit

Here’s one of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned: the decision to exit needs to be pull-driven, not push-driven. Don’t sell just because it’s getting hard. That’s not a strong position to negotiate from, and you’re unlikely to achieve the value you hope for if your business is struggling. Instead, exit because you’re being pulled toward something more exciting, purposeful, or fulfilling.

That’s what sets great exits apart. When you know what you want next – whether it’s a new venture, time off, or a completely different mission – you’ll be clearer, more strategic, and more attractive to buyers.

Your Options: It’s Not Just One Route

There are many paths to consider when thinking about an exit:

  • Management Buyouts (MBOs) – where your current team takes over ownership.
  • Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) – empowering your people to share in the business’s long-term success.
  • Trade Sales – selling to competitors or complementary businesses.
  • Private Equity –  bringing in partners who may help you scale before exiting again.

Each of these routes has its own advantages and implications. What’s right for you depends on what you value: control, legacy, speed, or financial return.

Staying True to Your Why

Personally, I’ve been through an exit. And for me, it was all about staying true to my “why.” I wanted the freedom to choose what came next – and today, that’s helping other founders navigate this very journey. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how rewarding it is when you get it right.

So before you make any decisions, start by reflecting on what you truly want. Then build a strategy that takes you there.

If you’re thinking about selling, want help shaping your next move, or just want to sense-check your thinking – drop me a message. I’m always happy to chat.