The art of anticipation

The ability to pass the torch when your company is at its peak: that is the defining characteristic of a visionary leader. It is also a way to guarantee the enthusiasm of the next-generation team, and protect your business legacy. Lafond Gestion is committed to guiding and supporting you through the process of building, organizing and passing on your business legacy – because those who plan, escape misfortune.

Methodology

The specific methodology we have developed for our clients is a testament to the quality of our services. Here is a summary of our approach:

• We conduct an exploratory interview to identify the company head’s needs and set the right approach in motion
• We present a detailed service proposal covering the entire process, and establish a timetable
• We guide executives in their dealings with government organizations for securing assistance that may be available for certain phases of the project
• We encourage strategic integration of the main stakeholders in the process (family members, professionals inside and outside the company)
• We base our approach on active listening and a realistic understanding of the company culture, family dynamics (if applicable) and key individuals with a stake in the values to be passed down
• We work in a transparent, neutral and confidential manner
• We submit interim reports providing information on the progress of the process

Areas of activity

 
Continuity assessment

Starting point for:

• establishing a consensus on the company’s vision
• team building
• establishing a continuity plan and timetable
• maintaining harmonious relations

Transfer plan

Activities in the three areas (equity, company, teams/family):

• stakeholders
• required transfer phases
• action items
• skills to be transferred
• soft skills to be transferred

Assessment of potential

Preparation for:

• identifying and assessing successors
• grooming individuals
• planning training activities
• team building

Executive profit sharing

An investment in:

• attracting, satisfying and retaining key individuals
• recognizing individual contributions
• ensuring loyalty and commitment
• executive retirement planning

Compensation

Essential for:

• maintaining fairness
• staying competitive as an employer
• rewarding results and productivity
• guiding behaviour

Team building

A strategic activity for:

• identifying each individual’s strengths
• accepting differences
• achieving strength through difference
• growing the company

Estate Audit^MD

A Lafond Planification expert service, serving to:

• inventory and protect the company head’s estate
• clarify and execute retirement plans
• structure the head’s financial independence
• review legal and taxation matters
• assess current risk management (death, disability, critical illness)
• establish appropriate financial strategies

Ownership transfer

A crucial step for:

• ensuring company survival
• obtaining fair value for the owner’s holdings
• ensuring the owner’s financial security
• ransferring control through transfer of equity

Conflict management

A delicate process with several components:

• conflict assessment (sources, triggers and consequences)
• identification of conflictual behaviours
• development of potential resolutions
• consensus-based decision making
• implementation of the consensus
• follow up on consensus implementation

Governance

A structure to guide strategic directions:

• the board of directors safeguards the company’s interests
• the partners’ committee protects shareholders’ interests
• the family committee allows all family members to discuss family interests without undermining company management
• the management committee oversees the growth and proper management of the company

^{A service provided by LAFOND GESTION}