The sale of a business is the culmination of years, sometimes decades, of work and investment. For the business owner, this moment marks both an achievement and a turning point : significant assets are released, bringing with them new responsibilities. Managing this capital cannot be improvised. That is why consulting a wealth manager or investment manager after a sale is an essential strategic step.
1. Securing the capital from the sale
The sale of a business often generates significant capital, sometimes several million dollars. Without a strategy, this wealth can quickly erode due to :
- poorly anticipated taxation,
- investments unsuited to the manager’s profile,
- or excessive concentration on one type of asset.
A wealth manager helps secure this capital by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the seller’s situation : family circumstances, age, plans, income requirements, investment horizon, risk tolerance. This analysis makes it possible to define a diversified and appropriate asset allocation, avoiding common mistakes such as holding too much cash or, conversely, reinvesting too quickly in risky investments.
2. Optimizing taxation on sales and investments
Taxation is a major issue when selling a business. In principle, capital gains are taxed at a flat rate of 30% (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social security contributions). However, specific regimes exist :
- Tax allowance for retirement of the manager (up to €500,000), subject to conditions,
- Deferral or exemption of capital gains in the event of reinvestment in an SME within 36 months,
- Dutreil scheme to anticipate a transfer and reduce inheritance tax.
The wealth manager, in conjunction with the tax lawyer, ensures that these measures are implemented and anticipates the future taxation of the income generated (interest, dividends, rent, capital gains on securities or real estate).
3. Structure and diversify your assets
After a sale, the question is not only how to invest the capital, but also how to structure it intelligently.
Several solutions are available to the manager :
- Life insurance : flexible envelope offering a favorable tax framework and easy transfer.
- Real estate : direct acquisition of rental properties, investment via SCPI/OPCI, or holding in a structure (SCI).
- Private equity : investment in SMEs or start-ups, either via funds or directly, often preferred by former entrepreneurs.
- Diversified financial investments : PEA, securities accounts, bonds, structured products.
- Asset holding company : a tool for organizing reinvestments while optimizing taxation through the parent-subsidiary regime or tax consolidation.
The manager’s role is to build a balanced asset allocation, combining security (euro funds, bonds), returns (equities, real estate), and international diversification.
Consulting a wealth management advisor after a sale means transforming capital into peace of mind, plans, and a lasting legacy.
4. Preparing for succession and protecting your family
The transfer transforms the manager’s assets into transferable capital. From then on, estate planning becomes a major issue :
- Donation-sharing : allows you to distribute part of your estate during your lifetime while reducing inheritance tax.
- Dismemberment of property : transfer bare ownership to your children while retaining usufruct.
- Dutreil pact : reduces the taxable base of transferred securities by 75%, subject to certain conditions.
The wealth manager assists the executive in these decisions, working closely with the notary to reconcile family, tax, and wealth objectives.
5. Comprehensive, customized support
Another advantage of a wealth manager is their ability to orchestrate all the necessary expertise :
- tax lawyers,
- notaries,
- accountants,
- and even private bankers.
He acts as a conductor, coordinating decisions and ensuring their consistency. This avoids isolated, sometimes contradictory choices that could undermine the overall wealth management strategy.
6. Gain peace of mind and time
Selling a business is an emotionally charged period. Letting a professional manage the structuring of your assets allows you to :
- focus on your new projects (creation, investment, philanthropy),
- preserve your personal time,
- move forward with peace of mind, knowing that your capital is secure and optimized.
Good advice helps your wealth grow as much as your life plan.
THE EVALIANCE CAPITAL APPROACH
Consulting a wealth manager after selling a business is not a luxury, but a necessity. Securing capital, optimizing taxation, diversifying investments, preparing for succession, and protecting your family require specialized expertise and a comprehensive vision.
Professional support thus transforms the sale into a new opportunity : that of building a solid, sustainable wealth portfolio aligned with the manager’s life plans.
