Strategic Transactions, Ownership & Succession Planning
Corporate
Ownership Structuring and Succession Planning for Businesses and Founders
WH Burkley advises founders, business owners, investors, and family-owned enterprises on strategic transactions, ownership structures, and succession planning. We help clients develop and implement tailored solutions that support long-term growth, facilitate ownership transitions, and preserve business value.
Significant ownership decisions often involve a combination of legal, financial, tax, and governance considerations. We work closely with clients to structure transactions and transition strategies that align with long-term business objectives while supporting continuity and future opportunities.
Joint Ventures and Strategic Transactions
• Structuring joint ventures and strategic partnerships
• Designing ownership and economic participation arrangements
• Aligning business objectives across multiple stakeholders
• Supporting strategic growth and investment initiatives
Ownership Structuring and Governance
Ownership Structuring & Governance
• Designing ownership and capital structures
• Structuring profit-sharing and distribution arrangements
• Establishing voting rights, control mechanisms, and governance frameworks
• Aligning ownership structures with long-term business goals
Succession Planning
• Advising business owners on internal and external succession strategies
• Structuring transitions to family members, management teams, or third-party buyers
• Preparing businesses for leadership and ownership changes
• Developing continuity plans that preserve long-term value
ESOPs and Alternative Ownership Transitions
• Advising on employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structures and transactions
• Evaluating alternative ownership transfer strategies
• Integrating ownership transitions with broader succession objectives
• Coordinating implementation with financial, tax, and operational advisors
Our Approach
- Align ownership structures and succession strategies with each client’s long-term objectives
- Move matters forward efficiently from planning through implementation
- Coordinate across legal, tax, and financial considerations to deliver integrated solutions
- Focus on balancing control, economics, and continuity in ownership transitions
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and practical execution
Why WH Burkley
- Practical experience in ownership structuring, succession planning, and business transition strategies
- Ability to design tailored and non-traditional solutions aligned with client objectives
- Strong understanding of founder-led, family-owned, and closely held businesses
- Integration with corporate, M&A, tax, finance, and private wealth capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level counsel focused on long-term continuity and value preservation
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 1 – Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- Band 1 – Corporate
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance
- Band 2 – Tax
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 3 – Banking and Finance
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.