In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes Corporate Partner Daniela Spanos to dive into planning strategies tailored for founder-owned businesses navigating an exit or a transition to a new form of ownership. They examine the key drivers behind seller decisions, such as liquidity needs and retirement goals, and explore how different buyer types, including private equity firms and strategic acquirers, shape those choices. The conversation highlights the critical role of counsel in structuring incentives, like equity retention after sale, and in addressing common tax-related diligence challenges. Michael and Daniela stress the importance of engaging trusted advisors early to manage complexities and ensure alignment with long-term business objectives.
 

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Photo of Michael T. Clear Michael T. Clear

Michael is the Chair of our Private Client Services Department where he leads our group of over 30 lawyers and allied professionals.  As a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department, Michael regularly counsels clients on the far-reaching financial implications of estate…

Michael is the Chair of our Private Client Services Department where he leads our group of over 30 lawyers and allied professionals.  As a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department, Michael regularly counsels clients on the far-reaching financial implications of estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate litigation, and business succession planning. Yet he is also a trained counselor with insight into the family dynamics these matters can effect. Known for his empathy and good humor, he helps clients take prudent action in the face of indecision, hopefully resolving contested issues before litigation. He is also a member of wiggin(x).

Photo of Daniela Badiola Spanos Daniela Badiola Spanos

Daniela Badiola Spanos is a Partner in Wiggin and Dana’s Corporate Department and Private Equity Practice Group.

Daniela has extensive experience representing private equity funds and their portfolio companies in a range of transactions. Clients rely on Daniela’s practical and strategic advice, and…

Daniela Badiola Spanos is a Partner in Wiggin and Dana’s Corporate Department and Private Equity Practice Group.

Daniela has extensive experience representing private equity funds and their portfolio companies in a range of transactions. Clients rely on Daniela’s practical and strategic advice, and also value her creative and solution-oriented approach to issues that arise in investments and other transactions. Her transactional experience includes mergers and acquisitions, platform growth acquisitions, company sales, growth equity and venture capital financing, distressed sales, leveraged buy-outs, 363 transactions, strategic transactions, and executive employment and incentive equity arrangements, along with other general governance matters. Daniela is experienced in the nuances of the healthcare and technology industries and her extensive industry expertise extends to food products, manufacturing, automobiles, and retail, both within and outside of the United States.