Plan the transition of your business with confidence
Business succession planning is the process of preparing your company to change hands — whether you plan to sell to an outside buyer, transition to a partner, or step back over the next one to three years. At Business Brokers of Oregon, we help owners across Oregon and SW Washington map out that transition well before it happens, so you understand what your business is worth, how a sale can be structured, and what to do now to protect its value. Founded in Portland in 2007 by Jim Foster, our firm works confidentially with owners who want a clear, deliberate exit rather than a rushed one. From an early valuation to a completed transaction, we coordinate the moving parts — pricing, timing, buyer readiness, and deal terms — alongside your attorney, CPA, and lender.
What business succession planning involves
Exit strategy consulting
For owners planning to sell in the next one to three years, we help you set goals, timing, and the steps that prepare your business to change hands.
Business valuation
Asset-based or earnings-based valuation using market comparables and EBITDA multipliers, so you know what your business is realistically worth.
Deal structuring
We structure terms that fit your goals — seller financing, earn-outs, equity retention, non-compete and transition clauses — to shape how ownership actually transfers.
Buyer qualification & vetting
Financial pre-qualification, operational fit, NDA management, and phased disclosure ensure your business is only discussed with serious, qualified buyers.
Confidential marketing
Listings and communications are handled with discretion; your business identity is never publicly disclosed without your consent.
Transaction management
We manage the process through due diligence and closing, coordinating with your attorney, CPA, and lender at each step.
How succession planning works with us
Consultation & goals
We start with a confidential conversation about your timeline, your reasons for transitioning, and what a successful exit looks like for you.
Valuation
We value your business using asset-based or earnings-based methods, market comparables, and EBITDA multipliers so pricing is grounded in real data.
Prepare the business
With time on your side, we identify what to strengthen before going to market so the business is ready to attract the right buyer.
Confidential marketing
We reach qualified buyers and investors while keeping your business identity confidential until an NDA is in place.
Qualify buyers
Prospective buyers are pre-qualified financially and for operational fit, with confidential details shared only in phases.
Negotiate & structure the deal
We negotiate price and terms and structure the transaction — including seller financing, earn-outs, or equity retention — to match your goals.
Close the transaction
We manage due diligence, LOIs, and purchase agreements through to closing, working alongside your attorney, CPA, and lender.
Why owners plan their succession with us
Local since 2007
Founded in Portland in 2007 by Jim Foster, we know the Oregon and SW Washington market, its industries, and its buyers.
Full-service support
We handle valuation, marketing, buyer vetting, negotiation, and closing, coordinating with your attorney, CPA, and lender throughout.
Confidentiality first
Every listing and communication is handled with discretion, and your business identity is never disclosed without your consent.
Built to fit your timeline
Whether you plan to exit soon or in the next few years, we build a plan around your goals rather than a fixed template.
Where we work
We advise business owners on succession and sale across Oregon and SW Washington.
- Portland Metro
- Vancouver, Washington
- Salem
- Eugene
- Central & Eastern Oregon, including Bend
- Beaverton
- Gresham
- Hood River
Business succession planning questions
What is business succession planning?
It is the process of preparing your business to change ownership — through a sale, a transition to a partner, or a gradual step-back. Good planning covers what your business is worth, how the transfer will be structured, and what to do beforehand to protect and improve its value.
When should I start planning my exit?
The earlier the better. Many owners begin one to three years before they intend to step back, which gives time to strengthen the business, establish a realistic value, and reach the right buyer without rushing.
Will my plans stay confidential?
Yes. We handle listings and communications with discretion and never publicly disclose your business identity without your consent. Confidential details are shared with buyers only after an NDA is in place, and in phases.
How is my business valued?
We use asset-based or earnings-based methods along with market comparables and EBITDA multipliers to establish a realistic value that reflects your business and its market.
What deal structures are possible?
Depending on your goals, a transition can involve an outright sale, seller financing, earn-outs, equity retention, and transition or non-compete clauses. We negotiate and structure terms with you and your advisors.
Do you work with my attorney and CPA?
Yes. We coordinate the transaction alongside your attorney, CPA, and lender through due diligence and closing so the legal, tax, and financing pieces align.
Start the conversation
Business Brokers of Oregon
416 NE Roth St.Portland, Oregon 97211
Confidential consultations for owners planning an exit or sale.
jimfoster@BusinessBrokersofOregon.com
Office hours
- Monday–Friday
- 9AM–6PM
Ready to plan your exit?
Talk confidentially with Business Brokers of Oregon about a succession plan that fits your timeline and goals. Call (503) 954-9843 or reach out to get started.
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Office Location
416 NE Roth St.
Portland, Oregon 97211
Portland, Oregon 97211
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The Oregon Business Broker team has decades of experience owning, managing, buying and selling businesses in Portland, Oregon. Get in touch to learn how we can help.
416 NE Roth St.
Portland, Oregon 97211
416 NE Roth St.
Portland, Oregon 97211
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