Scott Hanson Book Guides Business Owners Through Selling a Company

Scott Hanson’s new book, published by Forbes Books, breaks down the exit process for owners weighing a sale, partnership or succession plan. The book focuses on more than price, aiming to help sellers protect legacy, employees and their next chapter.

Why it matters: - Selling a business can reshape an owner’s finances, team and long-term plans in one transaction. - Hanson argues that the best exits balance price, deal terms, culture, employee impact and post-sale life, not just the highest offer. - The book is aimed at owners planning retirement, a new venture or a succession strategy.

What happened: - Scott Hanson released "The Private Equity Advantage: Balancing Price, Terms, and Legacy When Selling Your Business." - Forbes Books published the book. - Hanson is a cofounder of Allworth Financial and a financial expert with experience in mergers and acquisitions. - The book is designed to help business owners navigate the sale process and avoid common mistakes.

The details: - The book covers the full exit process, starting with deciding whether to sell and when to sell. - Hanson outlines how to choose trusted advisors and evaluate private equity partnerships. - The book addresses tax-efficient transaction structures and communication with employees. - Hanson includes frameworks, case studies and insights from investment bankers, attorneys, tax specialists and private equity professionals. - Hanson says sellers should first get clear on their motivations and personal goals before pursuing a deal. - He says the ideal outcome can be a full sale, partial sale or partnership agreement with investors. - Hanson also emphasizes preparing for life after the transaction.

Between the lines: - Hanson is pushing a broader definition of success in a sale, with legacy and life after closing treated as core deal terms. - The idea of "sacred time" suggests many owners underestimate the emotional and identity shift that follows an exit. - That framing may resonate with entrepreneurs who built businesses around personal purpose as much as financial return.

What's next: - Readers can use the book as a guide while evaluating exit timing, advisers and deal structures. - Hanson expects owners who plan ahead to be better positioned to maximize value while protecting what they care about most. - More information is available in the publisher’s announcement at Forbes Books.