What We Do
Strategic Business Succession Planning in Denver and the Surrounding Region
At Osterman Law, business succession planning is about more than preparing documents—it is about protecting the future of the business you have worked hard to build. Led by Lewis A. Osterman, our team brings four decades of legal insight to business owners throughout the Denver region, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Thornton, and beyond.
We work with entrepreneurs, family business owners, and closely held companies to develop clear transition strategies that protect operations, preserve value, and ensure continuity in the event of retirement, disability, or death. By understanding both your business goals and your long-term financial objectives, we help create a plan that supports your company’s future while protecting your family and stakeholders.
Choosing the Right Succession Strategy
Ownership Transfers, Buy-Sell Agreements, and Exit Planning
Business succession planning involves determining how ownership and leadership will transition when a business owner retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away.
A Buy-Sell Agreement establishes a clear plan for transferring ownership among partners or shareholders. These agreements often include valuation methods and funding strategies to ensure a smooth transition.
A Family Succession Plan prepares the next generation to assume ownership or leadership while minimizing tax exposure and preventing internal conflicts.
An Exit or Sale Strategy prepares the company for a sale to a third party, private equity firm, or key employees, helping maximize value while ensuring operational continuity.
Most Denver business owners benefit from combining several of these tools. A comprehensive succession plan coordinates legal, financial, and operational considerations to ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly regardless of life’s uncertainties.
Protecting Business Assets and Operations
A well-designed succession plan addresses far more than ownership transfers. We help clients prepare for events that could disrupt operations, including sudden illness, disputes among partners, or unexpected leadership changes.
By coordinating with accountants, financial advisors, and other trusted professionals, we help create succession plans that protect the stability and long-term success of your company.
How We Elevate Your Planning Experience
- Continuity Planning – Establish clear leadership transitions so your business can continue operating without disruption.
- Ownership Transfer Strategies – Structure buy-sell agreements, family transfers, or sales to maximize value and minimize disputes.
- Tax-Aware Planning – Coordinate succession strategies with estate planning to reduce tax exposure and protect business assets.
- Integrated Estate Planning – Align your personal estate plan with your business succession strategy so both your family and your business are protected. Our
estate planning services help ensure your personal and business assets transfer according to your wishes.
The Lasting Benefits for You & Your Business
- Business Continuity – Ensure your company can continue operating even in unexpected circumstances.
- Protecting Employees and Partners – Clear transition plans reduce uncertainty and protect those who rely on the business.
- Preserving Business Value – Strategic planning helps maximize the value of the company during ownership transitions.
- Peace of Mind – Knowing there is a clear path forward allows you to focus on running your business today.
FAQs
When should I start business succession planning?
Ideally, succession planning should begin years before a planned transition. Early planning provides time to prepare successors, structure ownership transfers, and address tax considerations.
What happens if a business owner dies without a succession plan?
Without a clear plan, ownership may pass through probate or default business agreements, potentially leading to disputes among heirs, partners, or stakeholders.
Can business succession planning work with my estate plan?
Yes. A well-designed plan coordinates your estate documents with your business agreements to ensure ownership transfers smoothly and aligns with your long-term goals.
Do family businesses need formal succession plans?
Absolutely. Even closely held family businesses benefit from clear leadership structures, defined ownership transfers, and documented expectations to prevent conflicts.
What is a buy-sell agreement?
A buy-sell agreement is a legal contract that determines how ownership interests will be transferred if an owner retires, becomes disabled, or dies.
Do I need a business succession plan if I’m the sole owner?
Yes. Even if you are the sole owner of your business, a succession plan is essential. Without one, your business interests may pass through probate, which can delay operations and create uncertainty for employees, clients, and family members.