How it works
A planned succession. A local leader.
When an owner is ready for the business's next chapter, Ojenta and a Protege, the person who will lead it next, buy it together.
In plain terms
Ojenta buys established, local, profitable businesses, and we do it as the buyer ourselves. For each business, Ojenta teams with a Protege, a capable person who wants to run and grow a company, and together we buy the business directly from its owner.
That means you talk with the people who aim to own and run your business, not a go-between. Our goal is to keep what you built intact: the name on the trucks, the team that shows up every morning, and the customers who have trusted you for years. The Protege steps into day-to-day leadership, and Ojenta backs them with structure, planning and experience.
Every step moves at a pace that respects the owner, and every transaction is subject to diligence and final agreements negotiated by each side's own attorney and CPA. If it isn't the right fit, we'll tell you plainly.
Seller
The owner of an established local business.
Ojenta
Buys the business together with the Protege and stays involved after closing.
Protege
The successor who leads the business day to day.
Five stages
- Conversation
A relaxed first talk with the owner about the business, its history, and what the owner wants next. No documents are required and nothing is decided. Ojenta listens for fit: the trade, the location, the team, and the owner's hopes for timing. If both sides want to go further, a short nondisclosure agreement may come next.
- Review
If there's mutual interest, Ojenta and a prospective Protege learn how the business actually runs: services, customers, people, equipment and records. The owner shares information at a comfortable pace. We treat inquiries as confidential and share them only as needed to evaluate a possible deal. Typical documents include summary financial statements, tax returns, a list of equipment, and an overview of staff roles.
- Proposal
When the picture is clear, Ojenta and the Protege may put a written, non-binding proposal in front of the owner. It describes the general shape of the succession so the owner and the owner's own attorney and CPA can review it. Nothing is final here. The usual document is a letter of intent, which both sides may revise or walk away from.
- Agreements
Ojenta and the Protege confirm what they have learned, with help from their accountants and attorneys, while the owner's own attorney and CPA review everything on the owner's behalf. Licenses, contracts, leases and records are checked. Typical documents include a purchase agreement, any agreement for the owner's help during the transition, and new license and permit applications.
- Transition
At closing, your successor takes the lead. The Protege takes up daily leadership with guidance from a Mentor, and the former owner may stay on for an agreed period to introduce customers, train staff, and pass along know-how. Ojenta aims to keep the transition quiet and steady, so customers and employees feel continuity, not disruption.
Who does what
Seller
Your business name and legacy carry on. Our plan is to keep the name, and the business stays local, led by someone in the community.
The Seller is the owner who built the business. You decide whether, when and on what terms to plan your succession. You have your own attorney and CPA, representing only you, reviewing every document and advising on taxes and personal goals. Many Sellers also choose to help with the transition for a while.
Your privacy comes first: we never list or market your business, and you decide who knows and when.
Protege
The Protege leads the business day to day after closing and earns ownership as they prove themselves. Proteges are chosen for character, work ethic and leadership. A Protege also has their own attorney and CPA, independent of Ojenta and the Seller, to advise them personally.
Mentor
The Mentor is an experienced operator who guides the Protege. The Mentor's purpose is to help the Protege succeed in leading the business and to help free up the Seller sooner, so the successor is ready to lead sooner and the business is never short of know-how.
Ojenta
Ojenta is the buyer. It buys the business together with the Protege, and backs them with planning, structure and experience. Ojenta has its own attorneys and accountants. The Seller and the Protege each have their own, separate attorney and CPA.