Business Transition Planning
Planning the Path Toward a Business Sale
We help business owners prepare for a future sale — clarifying goals, organizing the financial picture, and working to position the business so a licensed investment bank can see a viable opportunity. When the time is right, we can refer you to a network of investment banks through the MassMutual Investment Banking Referral Program. From there, the bank leads the transaction — and we stay with you for what comes next.
Selling your business is a milestone, not a finish line. Tierney Wealth is not an investment bank and does not provide investment banking or M&A services — our role is the planning that comes first and the planning that comes after. We help you clarify your goals around the sale and, just as importantly, what you want to accomplish once it is behind you, so the milestone moves you toward the life you want rather than leaving you wondering what comes next. When you are ready, a licensed investment bank takes the lead on the transaction itself, and we continue to support you on the personal and financial-planning decisions around it.
MML Investors Services, LLC (“MMLIS”) has referral relationships with investment banking firms that may provide clients access to services such as capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and other transaction-related advisory services. MMLIS and its financial professionals may receive compensation in connection with these referral arrangements.
Investment banking firms are not affiliated with MMLIS or Tierney Wealth, and neither MMLIS nor Tierney Wealth is responsible for their services or performance. Referrals are made through the MassMutual Investment Banking Referral Program, offered through MML Investors Services, LLC (MMLIS). A referral is an introduction — not a recommendation of any particular firm or transaction.
How We Help You Prepare
Planning for What Comes After
Selling your business is one chapter in a longer story, not the end of it. Before any sale process begins, we help you picture what you want life to look like afterward — so the decision is made with the next chapter in view, and you are far less likely to feel adrift once the deal closes.
Organizing the Financial Picture
We work with you to get your personal and business finances in order — so when a buyer or investment bank takes a look, the opportunity reads as credible and prepared.
Positioning for a Real Opportunity
Our focus is helping you reach the point where a licensed investment bank sees an opportunity worth taking to market.
Coordinating the Handoff
When you are ready, we can refer you to a network of investment banks through the MassMutual referral program — and the bank leads the transaction from there.
In connection with a completed transaction, the referring investment banking firm pays a referral fee to MML Investors Services, LLC (MMLIS), and Tierney Wealth financial professionals may receive a portion of that fee. A referral is an introduction, not a recommendation of any particular firm or transaction. The investment banking firms are not affiliated with Tierney Wealth or MMLIS.
Tierney Wealth does not provide legal or tax advice; consult your own legal and tax advisors before entering into any transaction.
“Selling your business is a milestone, not a finish line.”
We plan for what comes after, before you ever sell — so the day the deal closes, you already know what you are moving toward.
Ben Minifie, Financial Advisor, Tierney Wealth
How We Work
From Planning to Referral — Step by Step
Tierney Wealth handles the preparation. A licensed investment bank handles the transaction. Here is how the two fit together.
Discovery & Goals — Including Life After the Sale
We spend time understanding your business and your objectives — and, just as importantly, what you want life to look like after the sale. The milestone is a means, not the destination, so we help you evaluate your options in the context of your broader financial plan and the future you are working toward.
What comes out of this phase: a clear picture of your goals for the sale, and of the chapter that follows it.
Readiness & Financial Organization
We help you organize your personal and business finances and help identify what may need attention before a sale process begins.
Positioning for a Potential Opportunity
We work to help you prepare your business so it may be viewed by a licensed investment bank as a viable opportunity for representation.
Referral to an Investment Bank
When you are ready, we can refer you to a network of investment banks through the MassMutual Investment Banking Referral Program. A designated contact at the program assesses fit and, if appropriate, facilitates an introduction to an investment bank, which independently determines whether to engage and assigns an investment banker.
This is the handoff: the investment bank takes the lead from here.
The Bank Leads the Transaction
The investment bank manages valuation, materials, buyer outreach, negotiation, due diligence, and closing. Tierney Wealth remains focused on your broader financial plan, helping you evaluate how the outcome may align with your long-term objectives.
Life After the Sale
The transaction is behind you, now the plan you shaped beforehand begins to be implemented. We help you apply the proceeds in line with the goals you defined up front, and can coordinate with your attorney and CPA, so the next chapter aligns with your objectives rather than leaving you unprepared.
What We Do — and What We Don't
Clarity on roles matters in a transaction this significant.
- What we do:
Tierney Wealth helps you prepare for a sale
- What we do:
Tierney Wealth will help with an investment bank referral, if appropriate
- What we don't do:
Tierney Wealth is not an investment bank and does not provide investment banking, M&A advisory, or securities underwriting services.
- What we don't do:
We do not run sale processes, solicit buyers, prepare offering materials, or negotiate deal terms — a licensed investment bank does that work.
- What we don't do:
We do not provide legal or tax advice; we coordinate with your attorney and CPA, and do not replace them.
- What we don't do:
A referral is an introduction, not a recommendation of any specific firm, transaction, or outcome, and does not assure that an engagement will take place.
- What we do:
Tierney Wealth may help with investing the proceeds and planning for life after the exit