The Mature Phase This phase of the business life-cycle can last many years, depending on technology, consumer preferences innovation and competitors. The mature phase is not necessarily the end of the business in terms of its life-cycle. A business can sustain itself in this phase for a very long time. Some may call it ‘reaching a plateau’. At this stage of the life-cycle, the organisation is well established. It has established systems and processes, well developed markets, products and services, the owners may have been able to reduce the level of involvement in the day to day operations and the business ticks along quite well. This is often the time that business owners start thinking about their future with regards to involvement and ownership of the business. Typically, the owners are thinking about selling their business or transitioning it to their children. They may be at retirement age or wish to make a lifestyle change to travel or focus on hobbies such as golf or sailing etc. This can be a difficult time for the business and the people who work in it. The business has been a major part of the owners life, especially if they were the founder. Family members and the employees are used to things the way they are and considerable change appears on the horizon, bringing with it uncertainty. Now is the time to implement a plan for the future in terms of your exit from the business. Regardless of how you exit, it is critical that you plan well in advance for the day so that you leave a business that is in peak condition, is a legacy for your successors or reflects your years of hard work in the sale price. An Exit Plan prepares you and your business for the day that you hand over the reins, either to a successor or a buyer. In the case of transition to family members an Exit Plan ensures the business continues to prosper in your absence and establishes a sustainable platform for future performance. Where the business is sold an Exit Plan prepares the business for sale and a higher price is achieved. How attractive is your business to a potential buyer? To receive a free Attractiveness Index questionnaire, contact us and type in the keywords attractiveness index and we’ll email it to you. | 
