Learn how to plan an exit strategy for your joint venture (JV) with these tips on defining objectives, negotiating terms, communicating regularly, preparing for the exit, and learning from the experience.

Consider the impact of the venture's end on everyone’s reputation. The way a joint venture dissolves can send a powerful message to clients and/or the market. It's important to plan how to communicate to stakeholders and the public. This way you can turn a potential negative into a story of strategic realignment and growth.

Clarity on your objectives is key from the start. But beyond the usual financial and market expansion goals, consider the intangible aims like knowledge transfer and network expansion. These aspects can be just as valuable in the long run. In a joint venture I was part of between an automotive giant and a tech startup, the real gem wasn't the immediate profit, but the cross-industry insights and relationships we built, which fueled innovation long after the deal

I've witnessed joint ventures thrive when they employed a 'radical candor' approach: Frank, frequent communication that keeps all parties on the same page. It's about building a culture where even uncomfortable truths can be aired out. This way, small misalignments don't turn into major rifts.

Last updated on Oct 3, 2024

How do you plan an exit strategy for a joint venture?

A joint venture (JV) is a strategic partnership between two or more businesses that agree to share resources, risks and rewards for a specific project or goal. JVs can be a great way to access new markets, leverage complementary skills, and create synergies. However, JVs are also complex and dynamic, and may not last forever. That's why it's important to plan an exit strategy for your JV from the start, to avoid conflicts, disputes and losses when it's time to part ways. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Define your objectives

Before you enter a JV, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from it, and how long you expect it to last. This will help you set realistic expectations and align them with your partner's. You should also define the criteria for measuring the success of the JV, and the triggers for exiting it. For example, you may decide to exit the JV when you reach a certain revenue, market share, or milestone, or when the market conditions change, or when the JV is no longer compatible with your strategic vision.

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Robert Baldino

Global Partnerships Executive | Helping Brands Revenue Grow With Alliances & Collaborations
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In my experience, planning an exit strategy for a joint venture starts with clear goals. Define when and why you'd exit, whether it’s hitting a milestone or shifting strategies. Regular communication with your partner ensures you're aligned, and having an exit clause makes the process smoother.

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Martin Storbeck

👾 Interim Executive and strategy advisor reshaping businesses for a competitive edge.
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Clarity on your objectives is key from the start. But beyond the usual financial and market expansion goals, consider the intangible aims like knowledge transfer and network expansion. These aspects can be just as valuable in the long run. In a joint venture I was part of between an automotive giant and a tech startup, the real gem wasn't the immediate profit, but the cross-industry insights and relationships we built, which fueled innovation long after the deal

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Domenico Verderame

Investor + Business Mentor: I invest and acquire home service companies in Florida; Acqusitions within 30 - 90 days.
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Planning an exit strategy for a joint venture? Start by defining your objectives. Know what you want to achieve and how long you expect the JV to last. Just like Sony and Ericsson did with their mobile phone JV – they set clear goals, worked together, and when the time was right, they amicably parted ways to pursue their individual paths. Always have a clear end game in sight!

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2 Negotiate the terms

Once you have defined your objectives, you should negotiate the terms of the JV agreement with your partner, and include an exit clause that covers the different scenarios and options for ending the JV. The exit clause should specify the rights and obligations of each partner, the valuation method for the JV assets and liabilities, the distribution of profits and losses, and the dispute resolution mechanism. You should also consider the legal, tax, and regulatory implications of exiting the JV, and consult with experts if needed.

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Domenico Verderame

Investor + Business Mentor: I invest and acquire home service companies in Florida; Acqusitions within 30 - 90 days.
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Negotiating terms for a joint venture? Think of it like setting the rules for a shared road trip. Decide on ownership percentages (who drives), management roles (who navigates), profit distribution (how to split gas costs), decision-making processes (who picks the route), and exit strategies (when and how to part ways). When BMW and Brilliance Auto formed their JV, they agreed BMW would initially hold a 50% stake, later increasing to 75%, ensuring a smooth buyout. Clear terms upfront make for a successful journey!

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3 Communicate regularly

Communication is key to maintaining a healthy and productive JV relationship. You should communicate regularly with your partner, and keep them informed of your progress, challenges, and feedback. You should also monitor the performance of the JV, and evaluate whether it is meeting your objectives and expectations. If you notice any signs of trouble, such as declining revenues, rising costs, or conflicts of interest, you should address them as soon as possible, and try to find a mutually beneficial solution.

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Martin Storbeck

👾 Interim Executive and strategy advisor reshaping businesses for a competitive edge.
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I've witnessed joint ventures thrive when they employed a 'radical candor' approach: Frank, frequent communication that keeps all parties on the same page. It's about building a culture where even uncomfortable truths can be aired out. This way, small misalignments don't turn into major rifts.

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Domenico Verderame

Investor + Business Mentor: I invest and acquire home service companies in Florida; Acqusitions within 30 - 90 days.
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Communication is key to maintaining a healthy and productive JV relationship. Think of it as keeping the lines open on a two-way radio during a mountain hike. Regular check-ins, transparent updates, and active listening are crucial. Take the Daimler-Chrysler merger, for example. Poor communication led to cultural clashes and misaligned goals, ultimately causing the JV to dissolve and lose billions. They failed to integrate teams and share a unified vision, proving that without clear communication, even the biggest ventures can stumble.

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4 Prepare for the exit

Even if your JV is going well, you should always be prepared for the possibility of exiting it. You should have a contingency plan that outlines the steps and actions you need to take to exit the JV smoothly and efficiently. You should also keep your own assets and resources separate from the JV, and protect your intellectual property, customer relationships, and reputation. You should also maintain your competitive edge, and avoid becoming too dependent on the JV.

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5 Execute the exit

When the time comes to exit the JV, you should execute the exit clause according to the terms of the JV agreement, and follow the agreed-upon process and procedures. You should also communicate clearly and respectfully with your partner, and explain your reasons and intentions for exiting the JV. You should also honor your commitments and obligations, and settle any outstanding issues or disputes. You should also thank your partner for their collaboration, and celebrate the achievements and learnings of the JV.

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6 Learn from the experience

Exiting a JV can be a valuable learning opportunity for your business. You should take the time to reflect on the experience, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your JV strategy, management, and execution. You should also gather feedback from your partner, customers, employees, and stakeholders, and analyze the results and outcomes of the JV. You should also document the lessons learned, and apply them to your future JVs or alliances.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Martin Storbeck

👾 Interim Executive and strategy advisor reshaping businesses for a competitive edge.
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Consider the impact of the venture's end on everyone’s reputation. The way a joint venture dissolves can send a powerful message to clients and/or the market. It's important to plan how to communicate to stakeholders and the public. This way you can turn a potential negative into a story of strategic realignment and growth.

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How do you plan an exit strategy for a joint venture?

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1 Define your objectives

2 Negotiate the terms

3 Communicate regularly

4 Prepare for the exit

5 Execute the exit

6 Learn from the experience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Alliances

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