Strategic Exit: Valuation and Tax-Free Sale via Smart Holding Setup

Client Profile

A Dutch business owner (DGA) with two companies: a holding company and an operating company providing smart home and security installations. After years of growth, a competitor expressed serious interest in acquiring the business.

The Challenge

The client faced several key challenges:

• No clear idea of what his business was worth

• No tax-efficient structure in place for a sale

• Concern over high taxation on exit

• No strategic sparring partner who understood both finance and tax

Our Approach

I supported him by:

• Organizing a full business valuation using the DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) method

• Transferring the operational activities into a clean, separate BV for sale-readiness

• Advising on optimal tax treatment of the proceeds through the holding

• Collaborating with his lawyer to structure a deal that minimized risks and maximized value

The Result

• The DGA gained clear insight into the value of his company (valued at €3,000,000)

• The business was sold for €5,400,000 under favorable conditions

• All proceeds were received tax-free in the holding company via the participation exemption

• He now gradually steps back from operations, using dividend payouts to supplement retirement

Client Quote

“I thought I needed an accountant, but I actually needed a strategist who also understands tax.”