Succession Planning
Plan Your Ownership Transition with Advisors You Can Trust
Lutz offers comprehensive succession planning services for business owners preparing for an ownership transition or exit. We understand that transitioning your business will be one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. You’ve invested countless hours, embraced risk, and navigated difficult decisions to build the business you have today.
Whether your transition involves family, employees, or a third party buyer, we work alongside you to craft a plan that aligns with your personal and financial goals. From financial planning and preparation to communicating with your team, we help you build a clear, strategic exit roadmap, one that maximizes value, minimizes tax exposure, and ensures your business continues to thrive beyond your leadership.
Accreditation: Our team includes Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPAs), a respected credential earned through a rigorous certification process. It’s designed for professionals who help business owners navigate the challenges of succession and ownership transition. This designation reflects the depth of expertise our advisors bring to each engagement, from strategic planning to execution, ensuring your exit strategy is thoughtful, well-structured, and built to achieve your goals.
Solutions
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Estate Planning & Trusts
Protecting your wealth and making sure it’s passed on according to your wishes starts with a solid estate plan. We’ll work alongside your legal representative to guide you through trusts, healthcare directives, living wills, and other documents so your plan reflects your goals, safeguards your assets, and minimizes tax implications.
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Financial Planning
Lutz Financial will create and manage a comprehensive plan that addresses your immediate and long-term goals. Through a unique and individualized process that ensures your priorities are understood, we’ll help with estate and contingency planning, retirement planning, succession planning, tax planning, and more.
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Business Consulting
At Lutz, we understand that running a successful business is no easy feat. Our team offers consulting services beyond traditional compliance work. We can help you make informed decisions, evaluate potential risks, and develop actionable strategies that impact your bottom line.
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Business Valuation
Our accredited professionals deliver valuations that provide a clear, accurate picture of your company’s worth. We analyze your operations, financials, and industry landscape to give you insights you can trust for planning, compliance, and transactions.
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Industry Market Analysis
Industry market research is one of the most critical steps in a transition or transaction. Our M&A professionals deliver detailed industry analysis to help you understand trends, evaluate competitors, and position your business for a competitive advantage.
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Employee Stock Ownership Plans
We provide guidance and support through the complex regulations of ESOPs, helping structure plans that create successful outcomes for both the company and its employees.
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Sell-Side Full Process Representation
Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Specializing in businesses with $1M-$10M of EBITDA, we guide you through every step, from positioning and marketing to negotiations and closing, to maximize value in today’s competitive market.
Our process includes:
+ Strategic Positioning - Analyze your company's strengths and market position to maximize appeal
+ Deal Marketing - Develop a tailored marketing strategy as unique as your business
+ Buyer Identification - Develop a tailored marketing strategy as unique as your business
+ Competitive Process Management - Cultivate interest, urgency, and competition among qualified prospects
+ Negotiation Support - Advocate for your interests until you're satisfied with the results
+ Transaction Coordination - Manage all moving parts from LOI through closing
Why Lutz?
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is business succession planning?
Succession planning is the process of preparing for the transfer of business ownership, whether to a family member, employee, or third party. It helps ensure continuity, maximize value, and reduce tax burdens.
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Who should consider exit planning services?
Any business owner thinking about retirement, selling their company, or transitioning leadership should consider exit planning. It’s a proactive way to protect your legacy, employees, and financial future.
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What makes Lutz’s succession planning services unique?
Our team includes Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPAs) who specialize in guiding Nebraska business owners through complex transitions. We combine technical expertise with a personalized approach to deliver strategies that work for your business and your goals.
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What are the key steps in a business succession plan?
A typical succession plan includes identifying successors, valuing the business, preparing financials, developing a transition timeline, and communicating the plan to stakeholders. Lutz guides you through each step to ensure a smooth and strategic transition.
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How long does it take to create a succession plan?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the business and the chosen exit strategy. Most plans take several months to develop and implement. Starting early allows for better preparation and flexibility.
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What types of exit strategies does Lutz help with?
We help business owners explore and execute exit strategies including family succession, employee buyouts, third-party sales, ESOPs, and mergers or acquisitions. Each strategy is tailored to your goals and business structure.
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Why is succession planning important for family-owned businesses?
Family businesses often face unique challenges. Succession planning helps avoid conflict, preserve legacy, and ensure long-term financial stability by creating a clear roadmap for leadership transition across generations.
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What happens if I don’t have a succession plan?
Without a plan, transitions can lead to confusion, financial loss, tax complications, and even business failure. A proactive succession strategy protects your company’s future and your personal legacy.
Let's Talk
News & Insights
Is an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) right for your business?
Post-Sale Wealth Strategy: Managing Your Business Exit Proceeds
What To Do When Approached by a Prospective Buyer for Your Business
The Importance of Hiring an M&A Team

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