Exploring Partial Exits: Selling a Stake While Retaining Influence
- Tony Vaughan
- May 15
- 3 min read
When we talk about business exits, most owners assume it’s all or nothing. You sell the company, walk away, and move on. But in reality, not every exit is final. In fact, for many business owners, a partial exit—selling a stake while retaining involvement—offers the best of both worlds: value today, and influence tomorrow.
At ExitPlanning.co.uk, we specialise in helping business owners understand their options and prepare for the right exit on the right terms. Partial exits are a strategic path worth considering—especially if you’re not quite ready to let go.
What Is a Partial Exit?
A partial exit involves selling a minority or majority stake in your business while keeping a degree of ownership, control, or ongoing role. This might mean:
Selling 30–70% of your equity
Bringing in a strategic or financial investor
Retaining a board or leadership position
Agreeing a staged or full exit in future
It’s a flexible structure designed to release capital, de-risk your position, and accelerate growth—without stepping away entirely.
Why Consider a Partial Exit?
1. 💰 Unlock Wealth Without Walking Away
You’ve spent years building value in your business. A partial exit allows you to take some of that value off the table now—while keeping a stake in future upside. It’s a smart move for business owners who want to diversify personal wealth without “selling out.”
2. 🤝 Find the Right Growth Partner
Many partial exits involve bringing in a trade partner or private investor who can help the business grow faster—through capital, operational expertise, or new market access. This isn’t about handing over control. It’s about choosing the right ally to take the business to the next level.
3. 🧭 Retain Influence and Involvement
Whether it’s through a board seat, advisory role, or retained operational position, partial exits can be structured so you stay meaningfully involved. You still have a say. You still help shape the future. But you’ve de-risked your personal exposure.
4. ⏳ Stage Your Full Exit on Your Terms
Partial exits are often used as part of a stepped plan: sell a majority stake now, then complete a full exit after a transition period. This gives you time to:
Prepare your successor
Optimise remaining value
Transition relationships and culture properly
It’s a softer landing—both financially and emotionally.
Who Are Partial Exits Right For?
Partial exits suit owners who:
Want to release capital but keep a stake
Have growth ambitions that need a partner
Aren’t ready for a full handover
Want to exit on their own timeline
Are planning retirement but want a phased approach
If you're a founder, family business owner, or partner in a successful SME, a partial exit could provide the perfect bridge between running and retiring.
Key Considerations
While the advantages are clear, partial exits require careful planning:
Valuation: A realistic understanding of your business’s current value is essential
Partner Fit: Cultural alignment and mutual trust with the incoming investor or acquirer are critical
Governance: Legal agreements must clearly define roles, responsibilities, and rights post-transaction
Future Exit Terms: Plan ahead—how and when will you exit fully, and at what terms?
This isn’t a handshake deal—it’s a strategic transaction that must be structured properly to avoid friction down the line.
Planning Ahead with ExitPlanning.co.uk
If you're considering a partial exit, the best results come with preparation. At ExitPlanning.co.uk, we help business owners:
Explore exit options and assess feasibility
Understand valuation, timing, and deal structures
Identify and approach the right investors or partners
Prepare for negotiation, transition, and long-term success
Our goal is to help you plan your exit—on your terms.
Ready to Explore a Partial Exit?
A partial exit could give you the capital you want today, the influence you value tomorrow, and the control to shape your legacy. But the key is planning it properly.
Exit planning isn’t just about leaving. It’s about leading—right to the end.
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