Women Business Owners & Exit Strategies study.

The Center for Women’s Business Research announced that the MassMutual Financial Group is the exclusive underwriter for ground-breaking research on the business exit strategies of women business owners and the issues raised by this life-changing transition. For the ninth year, MassMutual Financial Group is continuing as a premier corporate sponsor of the work of the Center.

The research focuses on both the business and personal aspects of transition. Among the issues the study probes are: what kinds of exit strategies women are choosing; the decision making process leading up to the exit; what actions they take to ready the business for transition; the kinds of advisors they seek before, during and after the transition; and what they decide to do after selling the business.

“MassMutual’s early support for this research will greatly contribute to our understanding concerning this part of the life cycle of women-owned businesses,” said Marjorie Alfus, chair, Center for Women’s Business Research. “As women-owned businesses mature, the issue of preparing for and exiting the business is emerging as a key issue. The Center tracks trends and this issue is one that has only recently appeared on the radar screen. We are delighted that we will be able to offer data that will help women make informed decisions as more and more of them deal with the issues surrounding succession planning.” The research findings will be announced early in 2006.

“MassMutual is dedicated to helping women business owners make the right choices, not only while they are still entrepreneurs but also after they have transitioned out of their firms,” said Beverly Holmes, Senior Vice President, Retirement Services, MassMutual Financial Group. “Through this ground-breaking research we will provide knowledge that will further empower women entrepreneurs.”

For more information at http://www.womensbusinessresearch.org