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Think your business isn’t sellable because the profits are thin or the finances are messy? Think again. You don’t need a perfect business—or a buyer with a briefcase full of cash—to make a clean, confident exit.

Here’s the truth: There are more exit options than most business owners realize. And with a little creativity, you can move on without shutting down or losing your legacy.

1. Owner Financing (a.k.a. Seller Financing)

Instead of requiring full payment upfront, you can structure the deal so the buyer pays over time. This keeps the business running and gets you ongoing income—without holding onto daily operations.

2. Management Takeovers or Internal Transitions

Have a solid employee, manager, or family member who could step up? We help structure deals that let them buy in gradually or take over leadership while you phase out.

3. Earnouts Based on Performance

Not sure what the business is worth? A performance-based earnout allows you to get paid more if the company hits growth targets after the transition—sharing in the upside.

4. Partial Sales or Silent Partnerships

You don’t have to sell 100%. Some owners choose to sell a majority stake but stay involved behind the scenes—or keep equity and let someone else run day-to-day.

5. Strategic Buyouts by Hands-On Operators

If you're looking to hand off the business completely, Midwest Equity Management and groups like us specialize in buying businesses in transition. We step in, keep operations running, and make sure the company—and your legacy—survives and thrives.

You Don’t Have to Walk Away Empty-Handed

At Midwest Equity Management, we work with owners who want out—but don’t want to burn everything down. We get creative with deal structures that work for everyone involved.

• Flexible payment terms and transitions
• Respect for what you’ve built
• Local experience and trusted leadership

Let’s have a conversation—no pressure, no strings. You might have more options than you think.