When is it the right time to consider selling your business?

Often it is when you want liquidity but are not ready to step away. When your business needs more structure to support growth. When you want a strategic partner rather than a buyer who takes the whole company off your hands.

We sat down with two long time business owners in the PE Gate portfolio: John Taylor of Kingston Refractory Services Ltd and William (Bill) Dewson of Dewson Architects Inc. Their experiences highlight the real advantages of a flexible exit. 

If you would like to hear the discussion in their own words, you can watch recording highlights here. Read on for key takeaways from our conversation.

1. Take cash off the table without giving up control

For many owners, the ideal outcome is not a full sale, but rather the ability to derisk while continuing to lead the company they built.

John shared with us: “I wanted to stay involved with the business I built, and what PE Gate offered me was really good.”

And the results validated the model: “Oddly enough, this year turned out to be our best year ever.”

With the right structure in place, taking liquidity can actually strengthen the business rather than slow it down.

2. Strengthen the business with real operating support

A partial exit works best when the business becomes stronger after the deal. That is where PE Gate’s operating discipline matters. Better governance, cleaner reporting and more predictable management rhythms create real lift for PE Gate portfolio companies.

Bill highlighted the part of the experience that often matters most to owners: getting real help running and strengthening the business. “PE Gate was a tremendous help with the management of our business. They set up the structure we needed, from accounting expertise to board meetings to quarterly reporting.”

He pointed out how this groundwork shapes the future of the company: “The foundation of our firm is now set for either organic growth or a merger or potential sale.”

A stronger operating foundation gives owners more paths forward, not fewer.

3. Flexibility for owners and investors

One of the defining features of PE Gate is the flexibility built into every stage of the process. Owners can pursue partial or full exits, and investors can participate at different commitment levels based on their goals. 

John put it this way: “There is real flexibility with PE Gate. Investors can buy in at various levels and stages.”

This flexibility is core to PE Gate’s model and creates room for owners to choose a transition that fits business owners’ priorities.

Setting yourself up for optionality

If you are starting to think about timing, check out our recent article: You Have Built Something Great: 5 Signs It Is Time For What Is Next:

A flexible exit works best when it sets you up for the next stage of your business, not the end of it. The owners we spoke with kept control, strengthened their companies and opened new paths for the years ahead.

If you want to explore what a transition could look like for you, we would be glad to talk. Set up time with our team to share your goals. We look forward to learning more about your journey as a business owner.