Every business owner will eventually transition out of their business, whether through sale, family succession, retirement, or unforeseen circumstances. The question is not whether you will exit, but whether you will be prepared when the time comes.
At Zara Business Law, attorney Michael Zara helps business owners develop and implement comprehensive exit and succession strategies that protect the value they have built, ensure business continuity, and achieve their personal and financial goals. His dual background in law and accounting provides the integrated perspective needed to address the legal, financial, and tax dimensions of business transitions.
Whether your goal is selling to a third party, transitioning to the next generation, structuring an employee buyout, or simply ensuring that your business can continue if something unexpected happens, we provide the planning and documentation you need for a successful transition.
Our Succession & Exit Planning Services
Exit Strategy Development
We help business owners develop comprehensive exit strategies aligned with their personal goals, financial needs, and timeline. This includes evaluating options (sale, family transition, ESOP, management buyout) and creating an action plan.
Buy-Sell Agreements
Buy-sell agreements are essential for multi-owner businesses. We draft and review agreements covering triggering events (death, disability, retirement, divorce), valuation methods, funding mechanisms, and transfer procedures.
Family Business Succession
Transitioning a business within the family involves unique emotional and legal complexities. We structure ownership transfers, management transitions, and governance frameworks that balance family dynamics with business needs.
ESOP Planning
Employee Stock Ownership Plans can be an effective exit strategy that rewards employees and provides tax benefits to the selling owner. We advise on ESOP feasibility, structure, and implementation.
Key Person Planning
Every business faces the risk of losing a key person. We help you plan for this contingency through key person insurance, employment agreements, equity incentive structures, and emergency succession provisions.
Business Valuation Coordination
Understanding the value of your business is fundamental to exit planning. We coordinate with qualified business valuation professionals and help you understand how different strategies can increase your company's value.
Why Choose Zara Business Law
Attorney Michael Zara brings nearly 20 years of legal experience and a B.S. in Accounting to every engagement. This dual expertise means you receive advice that is both legally sound and financially practical. Every client receives Mike's direct phone number because business legal needs do not follow a schedule.
We serve clients in all 50 states from our Denver, Colorado office. Whether you need local counsel in Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, or North Carolina, or nationwide representation through our network of legal partners, we have the reach and resources to serve your business wherever it operates.