Closely Held Businesses

The characteristics of closely held businesses vary greatly. Some are family-owned, while others are startups founded by like-minded entrepreneurs, and they operate in a multitude of industries. But one thing is constant – all closely held businesses need tax, assurance, and advisory services that are tailored to their needs.

A multi-generation family business on the verge of succession has different needs than an entrepreneurial startup looking for mezzanine financing. And a mature company looking to expand into foreign markets needs different services than does a business services firm that is bringing on a new partner.

ARB is active in the Closely Held Business Community in New England.

Institute for Family-Owned Business

How We Do It

ARB helps closely held businesses in our community and throughout New England successfully navigate the important transitions in the business life cycle. We do this by being accessible to our clients’ needs and offering savvy, sensible financial advice. Our memberships in national associations provide us with expansive resources to serve clients of all sizes with a broad range of needs.

Whether your company requires an audit, review, or compilation, our closely held business team can help.

Tax planning for closely held businesses needs to be done with an eye toward both the business and its owners to realize the most tax savings.

In coordination with a third party, we can help you with estate and gift planning that helps to meet your family’s needs in a tax efficient manner.

Whether to a key employee, a family member, or an outside new hire, passing the baton is a critical step in building value before a business owner steps away.
Business and strategic tax planning for both buyers and sellers to help a transaction close smoothly with a desirable outcome and minimal tax payment.
Work with the advisory team to ensure the agreement meets the legal and tax requirements of the transaction structure.
Cash flow, projections, job costing, and other savvy ideas to improve your day-to-day operations that impact year-end finances.

How We're Helping Our Closely Held Business Clients

Legislative Changes: An uncertain economy and evolving legislation have a double impact, affecting both business and personal finances. Many taxpayers are still working through changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well. The result is that proper tax planning is more important now than ever, and that’s where we can help!

M&A: With so many closely held business owners getting closer to retirement, there may be an opportunity to grow your business through acquisition. And, because of the pandemic, now may be the time to look into acquiring smaller, less adaptable companies with assets that could help you achieve loftier strategic goals. We help clients – on the buy-side and sell-side – with due diligence, valuation support, post-sale tax and accounting, and more

Cash Flow: In order for a closely held business to grow, it needs cash. We can help you determine how much cash you need to achieve your growth goals, uncover ways to cut costs, assess your borrowing capacity for bank financing needs, and help you gain control over the important levers of managing A/R and A/P.

Profitability Analysis: We help closely held businesses identify their most profitable products or lines of business and the KPIs that will improve their company’s overall performance.

Closely Held Business Services Team Leaders

Cheri L. Walker, CPA | ARB Managing Principal

Closely Held Businesses Service Practice Leader

Cheri focuses primarily in providing financial accounting, income tax planning, and business consulting services for family-owned businesses and for privately owned businesses.

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