Dog Daycare Owners: Your Guide to Post-Acquisition Success

Congratulations! You've Sold Your Dog Daycare: What's Next?

So, you've built a thriving dog daycare and successfully navigated the exciting world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). But the journey doesn't end there!

Traditionally, selling a business meant walking away. Today, founders have a wealth of options, and a well-crafted post-sale strategy can unlock significant financial and personal rewards.

Our commitment at Evergreen M&A goes beyond just closing the deal. We guide our clients through every step of the M&A process, including a path to meet and even exceed your short- and long-term individual goals.  

The Evolving Dog Daycare Landscape

Many dog daycare owners might think a successful exit means a clean break. While that is certainly an option for many, especially if they're ready for something new, the landscape is also changing. Strategic buyers are increasingly seeking experienced leadership and your unique knowledge to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth. This presents an opportunity for you to leverage your expertise and stay involved with your furry friends' favorite place.

Your Options After the Sale

Let's explore some common post-sale scenarios for dog daycare owners:

• Advisory Role: Provide strategic guidance and industry insights to the new owners. Continue spearheading innovative programs and services to attract new furry clients.
• Operational Leadership: . If you have experience with multi-unit operations, your talents can be lent to regional management of the buyers' platform. Similarly, if you have a desire to expand your brand in your market, it can be advantageous to stay on board to scale what you've built. Now you'll have the capital and operational support to do so. 
• On-site leadership at the location: Utilize your in-depth knowledge to integrate the acquiring team and maintain the daycare's special touch. Stay actively involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring a seamless transition and happy pups. 

Benefits for You and the Buyer

The perks of staying on post-sale extend beyond personal fulfillment. Here's how it can be advantageous for both you and the buyer:

• Smoother Transition: Your continued involvement minimizes disruption and knowledge gaps, leading to a happier staff and a smooth transition for the clients and their beloved dogs. This can translate into a more favorable financial package for you.
• Reduced Costs: The buyer avoids the hefty expenses of recruiting and training replacements for key personnel, including yourself.
• Continued Growth: By leveraging your existing expertise and relationships, you can facilitate a more efficient scaling-up process, benefiting both the daycare's future and your potential for additional performance-based compensation.
• Building a Legacy: Imagine securing funding for new enrichment programs or expanding services! Your continued passion for pet care can fuel further growth and a lasting legacy.
• Higher Acquisition Price: Your decision to stay on post-sale demonstrates a deep commitment to the daycare's future. This translates to a reduced risk for the buyer, incentivizing them to offer a higher purchase price. 

Structuring the Deal for Success

Post sale roles vary widely and negotiating the terms of your continued involvement is crucial. We'll work closely with you and the buyer to structure a deal that reflects your goals:

• Define Your Role: Outline your specific responsibilities within the new structure. Will you focus on big-picture strategy or hands-on management?
• Compensation: Negotiate a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and any potential earnouts based on future dog daycare performance.
• Term Length: Determine the ideal duration of your involvement, considering factors such as integration complexity and your personal goals.

Let's connect 

The decision to remain involved after selling your dog daycare is a personal one. By carefully considering your goals and working with an experienced M&A advisor, you can craft a post-sale plan that secures your financial future, allows you to contribute to the continued success of your hard-built business, and leave a lasting and positive impact on the community you serve. 

We are dedicated to guiding founders through every phase of the M&A journey, ensuring a successful outcome that exceeds expectations. You can book time directly on Gary Behler's calendar here or complete the form below for an introductory consultation and discussion of your dog daycare exit or transition strategy.