Trusted by business partners, Vistage business coaches, and EOS implementers
Helping Business Owners Buy Out a Partner With Clarity and Confidence
I help business owners buy out a partner by estimating fair value, structuring the transaction correctly, and securing SBA financing when appropriate. The result: your business moves forward without unnecessary chaos.
15 Years
In SBA Lending
10,000+
SBA Valuations
90–100%
SBA Financing Available
$0
Upfront Borrower Fees
For Business Owners
If your business generates $2M–$25M in revenue and you want to buy out a partner, I can help you understand value, structure the deal, and secure SBA financing for 90% of the buyout price, and up to 100% when the lender waives the equity injection.
Schedule a Confidential Buyout CallIs This You?
Signs It's Time to Talk
Most partner buyouts start long before anyone calls an advisor. If any of these sound familiar, a confidential call is the right next step.
One partner wants out, and no one knows what the business is worth
You and your partner can't agree on a fair number
You want to keep the business but can't write a check for your partner's share
You need a neutral expert to move the conversation forward
You want to avoid litigation, delay, or a forced sale
You may need SBA financing to complete the buyout
How It Works
A Clear Path Through a Complex Buyout
Start With a Confidential Call
We discuss the ownership situation, the relationship dynamics, goals, and whether a buyout is even feasible. No commitment, no cost.
Clarify Value and Deal Feasibility
I estimate the value using valuation software relied on by 250+ banks and determine what structure and financing options may be possible. This gives both partners a credible starting point for negotiations.
Structure the Buyout Properly
Once the economics start to make sense, I help shape the transaction so it works for the owners and meets lender expectations. This is where my experience prevents costly mistakes.
Secure Financing and Get to Closing
SBA loans can cover 90% of the buyout price, and up to 100% when the lender waives the equity injection, so the buyer doesn't need to come up with the full purchase price and the seller doesn't have to hold a note. I connect the deal to the right SBA lenders in my network, guide the loan package, and help move the transaction through underwriting and closing. Most deals close within 60–90 days once pricing and structure are aligned.
Testimonials
What Clients and Coaches Say
Trusted by owners and coaches who need fast clarity and real execution.
"We closed without destroying the relationship"
"I'd been putting off the partner conversation for two years. I didn't know how to value the business, didn't know if I could afford to buy him out, didn't want to damage the relationship. My EOS implementer introduced me to Neal. We met for lunch, and by the time I finished my meal, I understood exactly what my partner's majority share was worth and how I could finance the whole thing. Three months later, the deal closed. My partner got a fair price, I kept my business, and we're still on good terms."
"Two lenders competed for the deal"
"My client was stuck: his 60% partner wanted out, but my client couldn't afford a $1.9M buyout out of pocket. Neal said 'let me see if we can structure this for SBA financing.' Three weeks later, we had a valuation, deal structure, and two lenders competing for the deal. My client bought out his partner with zero cash down. I had no idea that was even possible."
"He gave my client clarity immediately"
"I've referred three partner buyouts to Neal. What I appreciate most: he gives my clients immediate clarity on feasibility, not 'maybe' but 'here's the range, here's what banks will approve, here's the timeline.' Two of those three closed. The one that didn't, Neal told us in the first call it wouldn't work, saved my client from wasting time. That's the kind of straight shooter I want on my team."
"He brings structure to emotional situations"
"Neal has a rare combo of deep valuation chops and real operator empathy. He turns what feels like an emotional, high-stakes partner buyout into a clear plan with the right numbers, the right conversations, and the right next steps. He brings structure to the process, keeps emotions from driving bad decisions, and helps both sides get to a fair outcome without dragging it out for months."
Case Study
SBA-Financed Partner Buyout:
$4M Revenue Manufacturing Company
$2.2M
SBA Loan Funded
100%
Ownership Retained
100%
Financing at Closing
$400K
Additional Working Capital
Zero
Litigation
Preserved
Partnership Relationship
Situation
Two partners in a 15-year-old manufacturing company generating ~$4M in annual revenue. The 40% minority partner wanted to buy out the 60% majority partner who had been a silent partner for the last 10 years.
What Was at Stake
Without structured financing, the minority partner would have lost the business he'd built for 15 years. The majority partner would have had to force a sale, destroying value for both.
Timeline
Initial value estimate ($3.8M–$4.2M range)
Partners negotiated $2.2M buyout price (for 60% stake)
Deal structured, submitted to three lenders, underwriting completed
Closed with SBA financing, exiting partner received full payment
Result
This deal closed under SBA SOP 50 10 8, before the October 1, 2026 rule changes. Under current rules, when the lender waives the equity injection, working capital has to come from existing cash or a line of credit rather than the buyout loan.
Why Neal
Why Owners and Coaches
Trust Neal Patel
Founder Who Has Been There
Bought out partners, been bought out, litigated against a partner, and sold a company to private equity. This isn't theoretical. I understand the emotions, the stakes, and the stress.
SBA Valuation & Deal Expertise
10,000+ SBA-compliant valuations completed and deep understanding of what SBA lenders approve. I know exactly what structures work and which ones get declined.
Trusted SBA Lender Relationships
Direct access to 50+ SBA lenders who understand partner buyout deals. As a NAGGL board member, I know which banks to approach for your specific situation.
Aligned Incentives
No upfront borrower fees, ever. Lenders pay when the deal closes. Our interests are perfectly aligned: I only succeed when you do.
"I've been on every side of a partner buyout. I've bought out partners, been bought out, gone through litigation, and sold to private equity. I built this practice because I saw too many good businesses get destroyed by poorly handled ownership transitions. My goal is simple: help you get to a fair outcome without unnecessary chaos."
Neal Patel
Credentials & Experience
Built on Real Experience, Not Just Expertise
Certified Business Appraiser
CBA, CVA credentials with 10,000+ completed valuations
Certified Exit Planning Advisor
CEPA certified, expert in business transitions
NAGGL Board Member
National SBA Lender Trade Association, Board Member
Vistage Member Since 2013
13+ years in peer advisory community
Active Franchise Owner
Currently operating 3 Wingstop locations
Successful Exit to PE
Sold valuation firm to private equity in 2023
Built Valzy & LendUX
SBA lending software used by 250+ banks nationwide
PEF Community
Post-Exit Founders supporting each other
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this right for my situation?
If your business generates $2M–$25M in annual revenue, you're looking to buy out a partner (or have a partner who wants to exit), and the business has steady cash flow, this is likely a fit for SBA financing. The best way to find out is a quick confidential call.
Do I need money down?
SBA financing can cover 90% to 100% of the buyout price, so the buyer doesn't need to come up with the full purchase price and the seller doesn't have to hold a note. The standard equity injection is 10% of the purchase price. The lender can reduce or waive it if the business will have enough cash and working capital after closing and doesn't show a negative net worth. If the person taking control hasn't worked in the business for at least 24 months, the 10% can't be waived. When it is waived, any extra working capital has to come from existing cash or a line of credit rather than the buyout loan.
What if we cannot agree on value?
This is common. I estimate the value using valuation software relied on by 250+ banks, which gives both partners a credible starting point. The lender will also order its own independent business valuation, which SBA requires on every partner buyout, and the financing can't exceed that number. Agreeing on a price the lender's appraisal will support saves you from renegotiating later.
Can I afford to buy out a silent partner?
Often, yes. If a partner who no longer works in the business has been taking a share of the earnings, that money can go toward the loan payment instead. In one recent deal, an operating partner bought out a 60% silent partner for $2M; the $500K a year that went to the silent partner covered $300K of loan payments and left $200K more for the operating partner. This works best when the departing partner isn't running a major part of the business.
What if the deal is not feasible?
You owe me nothing. I'll tell you quickly if a deal won't work. I'd rather save you time than string you along. If terms can't be agreed upon, you walk away at no cost.
How long does the process take?
Most deals close within 60–90 days from the time pricing and structure are aligned. The timeline depends on how quickly both partners agree on terms and how smoothly underwriting goes.
Have a Client Facing a Partner Buyout?
When should I refer a client?
Anytime a client mentions a partner who wants out, a valuation disagreement, or the desire to buy out a co-owner. You don't need to diagnose the situation, just make the intro and I'll take it from there.
What will happen after the intro?
I'll schedule a confidential call with your client to understand the ownership situation, assess feasibility, and outline potential next steps. You'll stay informed throughout unless your client prefers otherwise.
Do you charge my client upfront?
No. There are no upfront borrower fees. Lenders pay when the deal closes. Your client has zero financial risk in starting the conversation.
For Coaches and Advisors
Have a Client Facing a Partner Buyout?
When a client is facing a partner buyout, you need a trusted specialist who can quickly estimate value, deal feasibility, and SBA financing options while you stay focused on the relationship and coaching work.
You stay in your lane as the trusted coach. I handle the value estimate, deal structure, lender communication, and financing process. There is no cost to your client; lenders pay my fee when the deal closes.
Ready to Talk Through a Partner Buyout?
If you're thinking about buying out a partner, or your partner wants out, the first step is a confidential conversation about value, structure, and whether SBA financing fits.
100% confidential · No obligation · No upfront borrower fees