From now until 2020, statistics estimate an unprecedented 70% of Canadian business owners will be in a position to retire. Of those surveyed, 50% admit they are unprepared for succession in their companies. Change and uncertainty can erode business value so it’s critical to get the right advice well in advance of your business sale.

Stern Cohen has helped countless clients successfully transition their businesses and we’d like to share our expertise with you. Our Partners and Business Valuation team will provide you with the guidance you need to accomplish your goals. Your business is your life’s work – being proactive, getting the best advice available, and having a proven plan in place will ensure you maximize your wealth and achieve optimal results for you and your family.

For those who would like to sell their business or plan their retirement, our services include:

Business Transition:

• Business valuations to identify the value of your business
• Strategic planning and strategies to maximize value in your business
• Tax compliance, tax efficiencies, tax planning
• Asset protection techniques including trusts, estate freezes, and tax rollover elections
• Consulting to ensure the correct steps to buy, sell or transition ownership of a business
• Analysis of risk factors, and ways to mitigate risk factors
• Compensation and shareholder agreements
• Timing, costs and common issues that can arise during transition
• Profit sharing plans & pensions for retiring and new owners

Retirement & Estate Planning:

• Pension planning
• Tax issues for snowbirds and those living in the US or outside of Canada (cross border)
• Estate administration and freezes
• Family trusts
• Advice on selection of wealth manager and diversification of investments

You may also be interested in:

• A real life case study about a Stern Cohen client with succession planning needs.