Planning for the future: How the Alitis approach supports business owners through financial transitions
An experienced team and advance planning are two essentials of a successful business transition.
Across Canada, a wave of business transitions is on the horizon. With nearly 75 per cent of small business enterprises expected to change hands in the next decade¹, owners are facing one of the most significant – and often most underestimated – financial events of their lives. For many, it’s not just about selling a company; it’s about protecting a legacy, securing fair value and planning what comes next.
“Business transitions are both financial and emotional. Owners want to ensure they’re rewarded for years of hard work, but they’re also concerned about identity, family wealth and what life looks like after the sale.”
Common challenges in business transitions
Alitis Portfolio Managers see recurring challenges that can derail even the most successful owners:
• Timing and readiness: Too many wait until burnout or a health scare forces a rushed sale.
• Valuation gaps: A profitable business isn’t always a valuable one, especially if operations rely heavily on one person or lack recurring revenue.
• Succession conflicts: Family dynamics or the absence of a clear successor often complicate transitions.
• Tax complexity: Selling a business is one of the largest taxable events in an owner’s life, requiring careful planning to avoid significant losses.
The Alitis Approach
Early preparation – ideally three to five years before a transition – is key to a successful sale. “The earlier you start, the smoother the process,” Afzal says. “You can build a strong transition team that includes a wealth advisor, accountant, lawyer, business broker and valuation specialist. Each plays a vital role.”
Alitis helps clients understand what drives business value – accurate financials, steady revenue, strong leadership and contracts. The firm also guides business and property owners in aligning sale proceeds with lifestyle objectives, philanthropy or family wealth transfer.
A unique strength of Alitis is its pension-style management. By blending traditional investments like stocks and bonds with private real estate, private equity and infrastructure, Alitis offers diversified portfolios designed to turn a lump sum into sustainable, long-term wealth. The firm also coordinates tax strategies with accountants and lawyers, ensuring efficiency in areas like capital gains exemptions, trusts, and estate transfers.
Building Long-Term Relationships
More than anything, Alitis takes pride in walking alongside clients long after the deal closes. “It’s not just about creating a plan and sending you on your way,” Afzal shares. “We’re there year after year to help you achieve both your short- and long-term goals.”
As Canadian business owners look ahead to the next chapter, Alitis stands ready to guide them through one of the most important transitions of their lives – ensuring financial security, legacy preservation, and peace of mind.
If you’re considering the support of an independent investment firm or have questions about The Alitis Approach, call 250-287-4933 or email info@alitis.ca. Find them in Campbell River at 101-909 Island Hwy, in the Comox Valley at 103-695 Aspen Rd, in Victoria at 1480 Fort St. or online at alitis.ca.
Our Team at Alitis
Our dedicated team at Alitis has over 250 years of collective industry experience. But what makes us unique is the high level of integrity that every team member brings to the table.
Along with experience and integrity, each team member at Alitis shares the same commitment to our clients. At the end of the day, we measure our success based on the success of you reaching your financial goals.
If you’re interested in investing with Alitis, let’s have a conversation:
Disclaimers and Disclosures
- Bomal, Laure-Anna, and Simon Gaudreault. “Putting More Success into Business Succession in Canada.” Putting More Success Into Business Succession in Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Sept. 2024, www.ctf.ca/EN/EN/Newsletters/Perspectives/2024/3/240304.aspx.
