Helping Business Owners Plan Exits, Sales, and Ownership Transitions

Deciding to leave a firm is not enough; you also need a plan. With thorough planning and a clear legal framework, Chicago Contracts Counsel assists owners in getting ready for sales, exits, and ownership changes. The main goal is to protect assets, lower risk, and make sure the company can continue after the owner retires.

Planning Your Business Exit

Exiting a business is one of the most important decisions an owner will make. Whether the goal is retirement or a transition to new leadership, early planning helps avoid disputes, rushed decisions, and unexpected consequences.

This work frequently involves advice on
Business Exit and Succession Planning, when to do it, and how to find the best legal path forward depending on the owner's intentions.


Buy-Sell Agreements & Business Sales

The specifics are important when a company is sold or ownership shifts. During the transfer, both the seller and the business are better protected by clear agreements.



Chicago Contracts Lawyer offers support in:

  • Agreements for business sales

  • Buy-sell contracts between partners

  • Legal preparation for the tax ramifications of selling a business

  • Transfers of ownership and planned exits



These agreements help keep the peace and safeguard the value that has built up over time.


Transition to Employee Ownership (Co-ops)

Instead of selling to a third party, some business owners decide to transfer ownership to their staff. Making the transition to an employee-owned cooperative enables the company to carry on while compensating those who contributed to building it.



To make the transition run smoothly and legally, this procedure includes restructuring the company, changing the rules, and realigning ownership.


What we offer

01

Explicit succession and exit plans

02

Legal framework for company closures or sales

03

Encouragement of cooperative restructuring and conversions

04

Coordination with estate and trust planning when needed, including working alongside a Chicago trust lawyer

This service is also used by owners seeking the best services to close their company or restructure it before leaving.

Plan Your Exit with Confidence

Chicago Contracts Counsel offers targeted legal advice to help you proceed with clarity if you're getting ready to sell, retire, or change ownership.