Calder Associates
Experience · Integrity · Results™
Succession Planning · CASE Framework
Succession Planning Tool
Building a Strong CASE
Select the answer that best describes the current situation. Each question has four defined options — no guessing at what a number means. The framework scores where the succession is solid and where the gaps are.
~30%
of businesses reach the second generation
4
elements every succession must get right
1
pressure test: would a buyer accept this?
C
Capability
Does the successor have the skills, track record, and credibility to lead — and can the people who matter see it?
Buyer Pressure Test
"Would a third-party buyer trust this team to run the business without the founder?"
A
Alignment
Is it unambiguously clear who leads, who owns, who gets paid — and do all key parties agree?
Buyer Pressure Test
"Is control clearly defined — or does it depend on informal relationships and unwritten understandings?"
S
Structure
Does the business have the governance, accountability, and professional management to run without the founder?
Buyer Pressure Test
"Would this business operate effectively if the founder left the building today?"
E
Economics
Do the financial terms and transfer structure make rational sense for all parties?
Buyer Pressure Test
"Are the economics rational — does the deal structure hold up on paper without the founder's goodwill carrying it?"
Report Details — complete before downloading
CASE Score Visualization
Overall Assessment
Complete each section to see the overall assessment.
Legal Segue
Business decisions must be documented. If it’s not written, it’s not real. Every conclusion from this framework needs to find its way into binding agreements.