Aldrich Uncertainty Report

TRANSITION + SUCCESSION

What ownership transition strategies has your company considered?

When it comes time to consider a transition, what do you anticipate will be your (or your owner’s) top three priorities?

Across the Western US, private company leaders are putting people before price when thinking about the future of their businesses. Ensuring continuity for employees and clients ranked as the top priority for 58% of respondents, followed closely by finding the right successor at 53%, while 45% said getting full value in a sale was their main objective, underscoring that for many, maintaining culture and stability outweighs purely financial outcomes. At the same time, 76% of companies reported receiving at least one unsolicited offer to sell in the past year. For owners, this combination of buyer demand and people- first priorities makes early, intentional planning essential. Developing a transition strategy now that protects employees, supports clients, and positions the business for continued success—while also securing financial outcomes for owners— means that when the right opportunity arises, leaders can move forward with confidence and on their own terms. Leading with Values in a Business Transition

Respondents could choose more than one answer

California

Mountain West

Oregon

All West

Respondents could choose more than one answer

70%

69%

65%

55%

All West

58%

Ensuring continuity for employees and clients

Sell to a third party

53%

Finding the right buyer or successor

55%

40%

45%

35%

Getting the full value of the business

19%

Passing the business to a family member

39%

Minimizing taxes on the sale or transfer

70%

Timing the exit with market or economic conditions

34%

59%

55%

56%

26%

Navigating family dynamics or ownership structure

Strategic partnerships or joint ventures

26%

Understanding the steps and timeline to exit

31%

27%

24%

19%

Planning for my personal financial future

10%

ESOP

13%

11%

10%

Management buyout

Aldrich Uncertainty Report | Q4 2025

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