When closing is the right call, execution matters most.
When the most responsible path forward is an orderly exit, Lighthouse manages the wind-down process with the same discipline we bring to a turnaround — maximizing recovery for creditors and stakeholders while meeting legal obligations and treating employees, customers, and vendors with respect.
How we manage an orderly wind-down.
1. Orderly Liquidation Planning: We develop a timeline and strategy for ceasing operations while preserving asset value and meeting all legal obligations.
2. Asset Monetization: We manage the sale of tangible and intangible assets — equipment, inventory, real estate, IP, customer lists — through private sales, auctions, or structured processes.
3. Going-Concern Sales: When a business has value as an operating entity, we manage sale processes to find qualified buyers and maximize enterprise value.
4. Creditor Communication & Settlement: We manage stakeholder expectations and negotiate settlements that allow for a clean resolution.5. Employee Transition Support:We ensure WARN Act compliance, manage benefit obligations, and treat departing employees with dignity throughout the process.
The best outcomes start with early action.
The sooner we're at the table, the more options remain available. Reach out for a confidential conversation with our team
What to know before starting a wind-down.
Timelines range from a few weeks to 12+ months depending on the complexity of the business, the volume of assets, outstanding obligations, and whether a going-concern sale is pursued. We develop a detailed timeline during the initial assessment and keep all stakeholders informed throughout.
A wind-down is typically an out-of-court process where the business voluntarily ceases operations and disposes of assets. Bankruptcy involves court supervision, legal proceedings, and a more formal structure. Wind-downs are often faster, less expensive, and more flexible — but they require cooperation from major creditors.
An orderly wind-down typically recovers significantly more value because it allows time to identify the right buyers, negotiate from a position of relative stability, and market assets properly. It also preserves the company’s reputation and relationships — which matters for owners who plan to remain in the business community.
Lighthouse takes operational control of the wind-down — managing asset sales, creditor communications, employee transitions, and compliance requirements. We serve as the central point of coordination so ownership and counsel can focus on the decisions that matter most.
We manage the employee transition process with care and compliance. That includes WARN Act notifications, benefit obligation management, final payroll, and communication that treats people with the dignity the situation demands.
