Business Transition Planning for Private Companies in Arkansas | Louisiana | Texas | Florida | Georgia | Oklahoma
Who Gets the Business?
Who Gets the Business? Making the Hardest Decision in Succession Planning
Business transitions don’t happen by accident—they happen by design. At SSG Companies, we help business owners across Louisiana and the surrounding region turn complex exit decisions into actionable plans.
A Question Every Owner Must Answer
Whether you own a family enterprise in Shreveport, an industrial company in East Texas, or a service business in Little Rock, you’ve likely asked yourself:
- Which child, partner, or employee is the right successor?
- How do I treat family members fairly when some are involved and others are not?
- What happens if no one in the family is interested—or capable?
We guide you through these difficult questions and help you create a plan that’s practical, tax-efficient, and aligned with your values.
What to Consider
HELPING YOU WITH COMPLEX DECISIONS
Fair Isn’t Always Equal
In family-owned businesses, fairness and equality can mean different things. One child may be actively involved in the company, while another has chosen a different career. You may want to reward each of them equally—but equal shares of the business aren’t always fair or practical.
We help clients design solutions that might include:
- Structuring ownership so active family members retain control
- Using life insurance or other assets to balance inheritances for non-active heirs
- Establishing trusts to hold business interests for future generations
- Creating buy-sell agreements that define how shares can be sold or transferred
These solutions reduce conflict and protect the business from disputes down the road.
What If Family Isn’t the Right Answer?
Sometimes the best successor isn’t family. You might consider:
- A key employee or management team buyout
- An ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
- A third-party sale to a strategic or financial buyer
Each option has advantages and tax implications. We’ll help you evaluate what’s right for your situation and coordinate with your advisors to design the best path forward.
Balancing Legacy and Liquidity
The question of “Who gets the business?” is about more than ownership. It’s about ensuring:
- Your family is financially secure after the transition
- Your business can continue to operate smoothly
- Your employees, customers, and community relationships remain intact
Our role is to balance these priorities, so you don’t have to choose one over the other.
Start the Conversation Early
The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have. Whether your ideal successor is a family member, a trusted employee, or a future buyer, planning early gives you time to prepare the successor for leadership, optimize business value, and avoid last-minute tax and legal complications.
Learn More About the Transition Process
Visit our [Business Transition Plan – Process »] page for a detailed look at how we guide owners through every stage of exit planning.
Want Help Deciding Who Should Own Your Business?
We’ve been helping business owners make this decision for decades. Let’s talk about your options and create a plan that honors your family and your life’s work.