Business Succession
The most significant financial event in a business owner's life deserves more than an exit strategy.
Who This Is For
This service is for business owners who are approaching or contemplating the most consequential transition they will make — selling, passing, or restructuring a business. Whether the timeline is two years or ten, the planning must begin before the opportunity arrives.
What We Do
Pre-Exit Financial Architecture
Charlotte structures the financial picture before the transaction — entity optimization, compensation design, retirement plan maximization, and pre-sale charitable strategies that must be in place before a letter of intent is signed.
Transaction Tax Planning
A business sale creates a once-in-a-lifetime tax event. We model the tax consequences of different deal structures — asset vs. stock sale, installment vs. lump sum, earn-out provisions — and coordinate with your CPA and attorney.
Post-Exit Wealth Management
The day after the sale is when the real work begins. Charlotte designs a portfolio strategy for the proceeds, and Richard manages the psychological transition from business owner to wealth steward.
Family Succession Planning
When the successor is a family member, the financial and relational dimensions are inseparable. Richard facilitates the conversations that make family succession work — compensation, control, timeline, and expectations.
The Process
Discovery
A 45-minute conversation to understand your situation, goals, and priorities.
Analysis
Charlotte and Richard review your financial picture in detail — accounts, documents, tax returns, estate plans.
Design
A comprehensive strategy is designed, presented, and refined based on your feedback.
Implementation
Every recommendation is executed, coordinated across accounts, advisors, and institutions.
The Business Exit
An NVC business owner navigated a 20-year business sale with structured tax planning, estate coordination, and a post-exit portfolio strategy designed for a new chapter.
Read the full story →The NVC Ecosystem
Many of our business succession clients are introduced to us by Bobby Lim at Apex Home Lending, who encounters business owners navigating major transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I plan a business exit?
Ideally, 3-5 years before a planned exit. Many tax and estate strategies — particularly charitable vehicles and trust structures — must be in place well before a transaction.
Do you help value my business?
We coordinate with qualified business valuation professionals. Charlotte integrates the valuation into your overall financial plan and models different sale scenarios against your retirement and estate goals.
What if I want to pass the business to my children?
Family succession requires both financial structuring and family alignment. Charlotte designs the financial transfer mechanism; Richard facilitates the conversations about roles, expectations, and timeline.
What happens to the proceeds after I sell?
Post-exit wealth management is a core competency. Charlotte builds a portfolio strategy for liquidity events, managing concentrated stock positions, capital gains timing, and the shift from business income to investment income.
If this describes your situation, a Discovery Call is the right first step.
Schedule a Discovery Call →Fiduciary Commitment
Charlotte Westbrook (CFP®, CFA) and Richard Van Meer (CFP®, CIMA®) serve as fiduciaries. They are legally and ethically bound to act in your interest. Meridian Wealth Group is a fee-only registered investment adviser — no commissions, no proprietary products, no conflicts of interest.
Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation.