

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 AuditMD
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
Continuity management in family SMEs

Continuity or succession in a family company is fraught with issues that are seldom managed well. Read more...