Addressing Personal Wealth Issues in an IPO

Abstract

Business owners approaching an initial public offering typically focus their attention on the transaction's effects on the company—often at the expense of personal wealth planning. Yet these transactions create a number of financial issues and opportunities for owners, making personal objectives an important consideration. Proper wealth planning begun well in advance of an IPO can help owners accomplish important goals, such as minimizing taxes, addressing valuation issues, and transferring assets efficiently, without slowing the transaction or diminishing its value. This article examines a variety of wealth planning issues connected to an IPO and outlines important steps owners can take to maximize the value of the transaction for themselves and their families.