Veterinary Clinic Owners: What Happens After You Sell Your Practice?

Congratulations! You've built a thriving veterinary practice and achieved a significant milestone by selling it. But did you know your journey doesn't end there? The traditional "sell and walk away" approach is fading. Today's buyers typically like owners to stay involved in the practice, to ease with the transition, and continue to support growth. Today, veterinary practice owners have exciting options for post-sale roles, potentially maximizing financial rewards, and continuing their passion for animal care.

Our team at Evergreen M&A has worked with nearly 100 veterinary practice owners on their transactions and we understand no two situations are alike. We recognize the hard work you have put in to build the practice and your desire to see it and your team thrive. We know you're dedicated to the health of your community's pets. And you should know that your veterinary journey with your hospital doesn't have to stop at the closing. Our commitment to you goes beyond closing the deal. We guide you through every step, including crafting a personalized post-sale strategy that aligns with your unique goals.

As you're reviewing this article, feel free to schedule a consultation with our President, Gary Behler, to discuss your options. You can reserve something directly on Gary's calendar or email him: gary@evergreenforfounders.com. 

Beyond the Sale: Shaping Your Future

The veterinary M&A landscape is changing! Strategic buyers often value experienced leadership for a smooth transition and continued growth. This presents a golden opportunity to leverage your expertise and stay involved with your legacy.

Post-Sale Options for Veterinary Practice Owners

• Clinical Director: Remain actively involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring a seamless integration. Oversee medical care in the hospital. 
• Corporate Veterinary Care Leadership: Offer strategic guidance and industry insights to the new ownership. Many opportunities exist such as to oversee medical excellence, recruiting veterinarians, and enhancing standards of care. 
• Supporting Veterinarian: This is your opportunity to continuing caring for pets, but with more time for time off, semi-retirement, including time for paid vacations. Many buyers have veterinarian leadership to step in where you might want to step away, or they might have more hospitals where your expertise and leadership is needed. 

Benefits for You and the Buyer

Staying involved post-sale offers advantages for you and the buyer. We'll work with you to leverage these benefits and negotiate throughout for better terms and a higher offer. 

• Reduced Risk: Your continued presence minimizes disruption and knowledge gaps, leading to a smoother integration and faster return on investment. This can translate to a more attractive financial package for you.
• Lower Integration Costs: The buyer avoids the cost of recruiting and training replacements.
• Continued Growth Potential: Your existing expertise and relationships can facilitate faster scaling, benefiting both the company and your potential for additional compensation.
• Commanding a Higher Multiple: Your commitment to the practice's future incentivizes the buyer to offer a higher purchase price.

Structuring Your Ideal Deal

Not all post-sale roles are created equal. Negotiating the terms of your involvement is crucial:

• Define Scope and Responsibilities: Clearly outline your specific role within the new structure.
• Compensation: Negotiate a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential earnouts based on future performance.
• Term Length: Determine the ideal duration of your involvement, considering factors like integration complexity and your personal goals.

Exploring Your Options

The decision to stay involved post-sale is a strategic one. By carefully considering your goals and working with an experienced M&A advisor like Evergreen M&A, you can craft a post-sale strategy that secures your financial future, allows you to contribute to the continued success of your practice, and potentially leave a lasting legacy in veterinary care.

Ready to explore your options? You can reserve something directly on Gary's calendar, email him: gary@evergreenforfounders.com, or complete the form below and we will contact you.

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