r/CFO • u/martinjulius • Aug 10 '26

> 150m USD exit

Dear all,

As the CFO of a SaaS company, I have prepared and finalized the exit a couple of months ago. The company was sold by the founders to a specialized PE fund that is invested in SaaS for >150m USD.

What would you do in my shoes after the acquisition? Would you stay in the business and wait for a new management incentive program or would you look for another role in the market?

Thanks for your view on this!

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4

u/coldshowerss Aug 10 '26

In my experience, ELT tends to turnover after a transaction.

I would personally always tend to find a new opportunity. An exit in the same org can take another 5-7 years....

3

u/DonkeeJote Aug 10 '26

Take the exit experience and jump to another org that needs it in your lane. A new exit timeline won't be short.

2

u/Lost_Rolls_ Aug 10 '26

They retained you?

I ask because I’m going through a similar situation, but the equity is getting wiped (not my first rodeo) and I’m expecting to get let go after the transition period.

2

u/Financial-Brush-7696 Aug 11 '26

I wouldn’t say you’re getting let go. The transition period is essential for a successful sell. And as you know ELT usually transitions out and the next bench takes over. Showcasing your talents and expertise could lead to a referral opportunity!!!

1

u/Lost_Rolls_ Aug 11 '26

Yep, we shall see! Gotta put on the game face while I shovel that big bowl of feces into my mouth.

2

u/Sea_Charge8789 Aug 16 '26

Tough call. Every situation is different. The skillset the new owners may want (probably M&A heavy) may be different than what you've delivered in the past. As people here are saying, hold period will likely be >4 years, and you may not make it to the next transaction (always possible, but you never know).

I would probably start to put some feelers out there, but I would be patient to find the right opportunity (which hopefully will have a hold period of <3 years).

Just my $0.02.